New boat service in Mahaweli waters

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Ministry of Mahaweli Development has granted permission for the private sector companies to operate boat services in Mahaweli waters.

Two companies in Kandy, Mahaweli Reach Hotel and Walk Inn Hotel singed MoU with the Minister of Water Management, Nimal Siripala De Silva and they are already operating boat services in the Mahaweli River near Katugstota.

"Due to environmental concerned we would be only allowing boats less than 15 HP to operate in these waters," Business Development Manger, Mahaweli Authority, A. E. Munasinghe said.One contract would be for a three year period and the Authority is charging Rs. 500,000 for each permit.

He said that they have received many inquiries to launch boat services in areas where the Mahaweli waters run and they considered Kandy as a priority due to the influx of tourists that were expected for the Cricket World Cup to Kandy.

"We have six more applications for the Kandy project and they too would be issued licenses soon," he said.

He said that they would open out Kandalama, Udawalawa Kalawewa, Dambulu Oya and Victoria for the private sector. "We have already accepted tenders for these areas," he said.

In the future the authority is planning to have boat services in Kotmale, Rantambe, Maduru Oya and Ulhitiyawa reservoirs.

With the permanent peace many security restriction has been relaxed to some extent allowing these service to operate.

"These services would also help to create many employment opportunities and also there would be restaurants and hotels to meet the demand from both local and foreign tourists."

The Authority has also granted permission for SriLankan Airlines to operate an air taxi service in Victoria and Polgolla.

This would be then extended to Dambulu Oya as well."Since sea planes are popular among tourists, we will also allow other air line operators too."