Government explores cable car project at Sri Pada to enhance tourism

The government is considering the introduction of a cable car system at Sri Pada as part of a wider strategy to upgrade tourism infrastructure and improve visitor accessibility.

The proposal was discussed during a Tourism Task Force meeting held on Tuesday (28) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by Vijitha Herath. Officials noted that calls for a cable car facility at Sri Pada have been ongoing for years, with additional locations such as Kikiliyamana and Ella also identified as potential sites for similar developments.

Discussions at the meeting focused on conducting feasibility studies, securing initial approvals, and reviewing technical and environmental reports required before moving forward with the projects.

In addition to infrastructure plans, authorities reviewed a proposal to introduce visa-free entry for travellers from 40 countries starting May 25, a measure expected to boost tourist arrivals.

The meeting also assessed ongoing efforts to upgrade sanitation facilities across 19 national parks, including Yala National Park, with maintenance responsibilities now assigned to a private operator.

Plans to establish a dedicated tourism zone along the coastal stretch from Kollupitiya were also discussed, with projections indicating the area could attract between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors.

The session was attended by Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe along with senior officials from key institutions, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, highlighting a coordinated push to strengthen the country’s tourism sector.