Sri Lanka's government has outlined plans to boost tourism in Ampara District through direct fund allocation to regions, infrastructure improvements including Arugam Bay development, and expanded foreign employment training opportunities.
A high-level meeting held at the Ampara District Secretariat focused on revitalizing the tourism sector and creating employment pathways in the Eastern Province. Chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, the discussion addressed infrastructure gaps and workforce development needs affecting the district's tourism industry.
A significant policy shift will take effect from 2027, with the Ministry of Finance directing tourism development funds directly to districts rather than channeling them through sectoral ministries. Officials indicated this restructuring aims to support the government's goal of attracting five million annual tourists to the country. To implement this approach locally, authorities will establish a district-level committee led by the District Secretary, bringing together government agencies, wildlife officials, archaeological authorities, and police to address tourism challenges. The committee is scheduled to convene bimonthly.
Infrastructure development forms a cornerstone of the expansion strategy. The government has allocated Rs. 173 million for developing the Arugam Bay Sunset View location, while underutilized government circuit bungalows will be renovated and operated as tourist hotels through public-private partnerships. To address land disputes hindering development, a special Cabinet committee has been established to resolve Eastern Province land issues and recover illegally occupied coastal areas.
Employment and skills development initiatives complement the tourism expansion. A regional office of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment will open in Ampara in the coming year to train workers for overseas employment. Additionally, the Sri Lanka Hotel School and the Ministry of Samurdhi will launch a free training program targeting youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering both tourism sector skills and employment opportunities within the district.
