Hamilton Canal development, a fillip for eco-tourism

The Hamilton canal

Work on the Rs. 700 million Hamilton Canal tourism development project will be completed next month, Economic Development Ministry sources said. The project to promote tourism commenced three years ago by developing the seven-kilometre stretch from the Negombo lagoon to Maha Oya. Work is in progress on the two-kilometre stretch from the Kelania river to Hekitta.“The river bank on the stretch has been renovated and the project is due to be completed as scheduled. Facilities for fishermen such as marketing stalls and jetties for boats, will be constructed,” a project officer said.

He said that the private sector has a major role to play in promoting tourism through the project.

Boat rides, safaris and passenger transportation are some of the main objectives of the project. The breathtaking view of Muthurajawela which is home to a large number of bird species, plants and its rich bio-diversity provides an ideal setting for eco-tourism.A journey along the Hamilton canal will provide a breath-taking view of the vicinity in a serene environment.

The project launched by the Ministry of Economic Development under the Negombo tourism development plan recommenced this month to convert the Hamilton canal into a tourist attraction.

The project which spans 22 kilometres from Maha Oya to the Kelani river is a part of the plan drawn by the University of Moratuwa to develop the Negombo tourism region. The Negombo lagoon served as the main seaport for trading in cinnamon and other commodities during the reign of King Weera Parakramabahu VIII in the 15th century. The Dutch improved the canal and it was called the Dutch canal, linking the Kelani river with the Negombo lagoon to the east of Muturajawela. Work on the canal was completed during British rule in 1802.

-LF