Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake has issued directives to appoint a committee to look into issues that have arisen in connection with the white water rafting water sport, which is a world-famous sport centred around Kitulgala due to the Broadlands Hydroelectric Project and to make recommendations on possible solutions.
The President’s Secretary issued thee directives during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (23).
He advised that the committee, comprising officials from the Ministry of Tourism and line institutions, conduct a field investigation into the issues raised and submit a report within two weeks.
White water rafting in Kitulgala has drawn a large number of local and foreign tourists.
According to those who provide related services, the Broadlands Hydroelectric Project has had a significant impact on the operation of the Kithulgala water rafting industry.
As a result, livelihoods have been greatly impacted and they have requested authorities to help save the sport which has the potential to generate foreign exchange.
The Director of the Broadlands Hydropower Project, who participated in the discussion said steps have been taken to cooperate with the Kitulgala white water rafting service provider community in accordance with existing technical arrangements.
However, the President’s Secretary drew attention to the practical issues raised by the community providing relevant services and directed officials to provide solutions at the earliest.
