Hamilton Canal a magnet for ecotourism

19 September 2014 11:37 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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An unprecedented number of foreign and local tourists are visiting the historic Hamilton Canal since it was developed. The canal - which was begun during the Dutch rule of Sri Lanka’s Maritime Provinces to transport goods and completed in 1802 under the British Colonial Government - has today become a source of sustainable livelihood for many people in its vicinity. The newly-developed canal was opened to the public on the 2nd of August after being developed in an environmentfriendly manner under Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s guidance. Until then it had been a highly polluted waterway and a source of ill-health for decades. Today nearly 8,000 people visit the canal area on weekends and it has become a major attraction for foreign tourists, according to a Western Province Tourism Ministry spokesman.

The Moratuwa University’sTown Planning Studies section prepared the Hamilton Canal development plan which was implemented by the Economic Development Ministry. Under the plan’s First Stage a distance of eight kilometres from Negombo Lagoon up to Dandugum Oya river delta was developed. Under the second stage a distance of 11km is scheduled to be developed. A part of this - an extent of 3km from Hekiththa on the Kelani River in the Wattala Pradeshiya Sabha area to Elakanda has already been done.

Hamilton Canal project was launched with the objective of developing the NegomboTourism Zone. In connection with this steps have been taken to protect the rich biodiversity of the area thus protecting different species of fish, flora and fauna in and around the canal.

The Sri Lanka Lands Reclamation Corporation and Provincial Road Development Authority carried out the programme with Japanese Government Assistance.

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Comments - 11

Cobra Tuesday, 23 September 2014 01:11 AM

Otherwise what will he do, resign from the government? They'll be the day!!

Punny Pellow Tuesday, 23 September 2014 01:12 AM

Unlikely anyone else will need it!!!

mount Tuesday, 23 September 2014 09:15 AM

Another RED FOOLING. Change of soap.

saman Tuesday, 23 September 2014 04:03 AM

Beginning of the end for Vasi Deva and the clan.

C.K.Lankaputhra Tuesday, 23 September 2014 04:10 AM

Another attempt to fool the people once again by an stupid minister.

Labby Tuesday, 23 September 2014 04:27 AM

What does he mean by 'normal candidate'?

Loka Hora Tuesday, 23 September 2014 04:51 AM

just shut up..

pala Tuesday, 23 September 2014 01:28 PM

Otherwise you can repeat your jokef roll played in 1982 via DM Android App

Arjuna Ranawana Tuesday, 23 September 2014 09:33 AM

Hon. Minister become a Joker after election.

Mason Tuesday, 23 September 2014 12:41 PM

Vasu, you're a lost cause, having sold your principles for a bowl of pottage to get ministry portfolio..

M.O.A.Careem Wednesday, 24 September 2014 01:23 AM

learned old experienced Hon. Minister. your suggestion towards repair the 20 year old building - advanced know-how have a bigger weight than old

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Hamilton Canal a magnet for ecotourism

Comments - 11

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