The Government will invest Rs. 173 million to develop the Arugam Bay Sunset View location as part of plans to improve tourism infrastructure in the Ampara District.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath announced the project during a discussion at the Ampara District Secretariat. Officials used the meeting to review tourism projects and employment opportunities in the district.
The Minister also said the Government will change how it funds tourism development from 2027. Instead of routing funds through the relevant ministry, the Ministry of Finance will allocate money directly to districts.
He said the new system will help speed up tourism projects while supporting the Government’s target of attracting five million visitors each year.
The Government also plans to renovate underused government circuit bungalows and operate them as tourist hotels through public-private partnerships.
In addition, the Minister instructed officials to set up a district-level committee to address tourism-related issues. The District Secretary will chair the committee, while representatives from government agencies, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Department of Archaeology and the Police will take part. The committee will meet every two months.
The Government has also formed a Cabinet committee to resolve land issues in the Eastern Province. It will also release illegally occupied coastal lands for development.
Training and foreign employment initiatives
The Government will also expand training and employment opportunities for young people in Ampara.
It will open a regional office of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment next year. The office will train people seeking overseas jobs and provide related services.
The Sri Lanka Hotel School and the Ministry of Samurdhi will also launch a free training program for young people from low-income families.
The program aims to prepare them for careers in the tourism industry.
Last modified: August 3, 2026
