 |  |  |  | | Vol 02 - Issue 05 | | May - 2010 | | | | | | ‘Priority for Tourism’ – Minister Basil Rajapaksa In addressing officials from the Ministry of Tourism upon assuming his duties as Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa vowed to turn the tourism industry into the highest foreign exchange earner in the country. Minister Rajapaksa said the people emphasized the need for economic development in the country, and therefore, the Ministry of Economic Development, with assistance from relevant Ministries, will do so. He stated that "development activities will begin in all areas ensuring the dividends of the country’s development to all masses equally." Moreover, the Ministry will ensure that all segments of society are integrated into the development of the country. As the Minister stated, "capable Deputy Ministers and hard working officials will accelerate the development process of the country with the coordination of Samurdhi officials and local government institutions." | | |  | | International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will be hosting its annual awards ceremony this June in Colombo. Preparations for this glamorous and exciting event are underway. It is sure to be spectacular. For more information on the events, venues, and dates go to For further information, visit: www.srilanka.travel/iifa | | | | | | Update: Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort Project Under Phase I Bidding for the leasing of islands at Kalpitiya, the bidding documents submitted by 2 foreign investors for development projects on Vellai and Ippantivu Islands at Kalpitiya were granted approval by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) and Ministry Procurement Committee, chaired by the Secretary / Ministry of Tourism. Approval was granted to M/S Sun resorts –Investments Lanka (Pvt) Limited for the leasing of Vellai Islands (Vellai 1, 11, and 111) in order to construct a 150 room beach resort at Kalpitiya with an Investment of US$ 12 million. In addition, M/S Cube Lanka Leisure Properties (Pvt) Limited will build a 200 room villa-type resort, along with other entertainment/sports facilities and world class spa, on Ippantivu Island (project is estimated at US$ 16.82 million). For further information, visit: www.sltda.lk/kalpitiya | | | | | May Progress Update: East Coast Passikudah Resort - Construction of the public changing rooms and wash rooms has commenced and will be completed by the end of June. These facilities are located in the public area of the Resort.
- Approval has been granted for construction of a pilot hotel project comprising 40 chalets. This project will commence during the course of the next month.
- Architectural drawings and tender documents for the SLTDA office in the Resort have been completed. Construction work will commence in July 2010.
Kuchchavelli Resort - Investors for development projects of the Kuchchavelli Resort have been selected. The SLTDA is awaiting Cabinet approval for allocation of lands to the developers.
- The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the above construction work is being prepared by Consultants Environment Management Ltd.
Product Development - During the period under review, the Development Committee screened and accepted 56 projects. These projects have been referred to the relevant agencies such as the Coast Conservation Department, Central Environmental Authority, Urban Development Authority, etc., for the necessary permits/approvals.
- Preliminary clearances were granted for the construction of 971 hotel rooms and 4 guest houses.
- Final approval has been given for the construction of 3 hotels (64 rooms) and 2 guest houses (23 rooms). These projects are expected to be completed within 1.5 years.
For further information, visit: www.sltda.lk/projects | | | | | | Best wishes from SLTDA | | | | UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS
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