Big boost for Rajarata tourism

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has launched several programs in the Anuradhapura District under the guidance of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, parallel to the Deyata Kirula exhibition 2012.

The Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the main event of this program at the Anuradhapura National Holiday Resort.

Among the main objectives of these programs is to renovate and modernise the holiday resort where 80 rooms will be built at the resort at a cost of Rs. 300 million.

Also to be launched is a hospitality training program for 300 tourist hotel employees.

An educational camp for teachers and students from 10 schools in the district will be among the other programs.

A three- day special tourism mobile service under the direction of SLTDA Chairman Nalaka Godahewa will be held on February 6, 7 and 8. At this event owners of hotels, guest houses and restaurants will be provided with the services they require while others who are interested in this area will have access to information they need, according to SLTDA Director(Domestic Tourism and Holiday Resorts) Mihiri Liyanarachchi.The Sri Lanka Tourism and Hotel Management will conduct a special workshop on popularising Raja Rata cuisine internationally and also a launch a book on the subject.

One hundred rural young men and women of the Anuradhapura District will be provided with employment in hotels after being trained in the hospitality trade and hotel management. Twenty five water tanks will be donated to places of religious worship in the district and toilets will be constructed at the Thanthrimale sacred area for the benefit of local and foreign pilgrims.