Further galvanising the tourism boom, the government is aiming to develop more than 15 Forts around the country, top officials said.
Amongst these Galle Fort, Jaffna Fort, Trincomalee Fort/ Fort Fredrick, Batticaloa Fort, Mannar Fort, Matara Star Fort, Kalpitiya Dutch Fort, Ratnapura Malwala Palace Fort will be initially looked at, they added.
“Blessed with Forts and fortresses this is a glorious past and an amazing history that will fascinate the tourists. The plan is to hand these over to private companies and hoteliers to develop. The check-in to the hotel for the tourists will be a unique process,” an official explained to the Business Times on Wednesday.
The country had 36 original forts but now only a handful remain, he said, noting that most are in ruins except Galle (UNESCO World Heritage), Matara Star Fort, Tangalle, Martello tower, Batticaloa, Fort Fredrick Trinco, Pooneryn Fort Jaffna remains in more or less good conditions but will fall to ruin if restoration is not carried out.
He also noted that the Fort in Batticaloa is occupied by the Government Agent (GA) at present. “It is a historical gem reflecting Dutch and Portuguese architectural influences.”
The plan is to remove the GA’s office from there and give it over to the private sector which will fetch employment for the youth in the country as well, he added.
“Galle Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and when developed will be a hit with the tourists,” he said.
An official from the President’s office noted that the four post offices, namely, Galle, Kandy, Colombo, and Nuwara Eliya will be privatised. “The Taj group is very interested in these buildings,” he said.
Additionally, the President’s House, the Financial Crimes Investigation Division, the Gaffoor Building, and the Air Force headquarters are also some of the buildings to be handed over for tourism under the New Colombo Heritage City Plan. “These buildings are to be tendered and given to hotel developers,” a second official said.
Source: Sunday Times
