This week, the
government signed an agreement with Austrian company Outdoor Engineering Lanka
Ltd.'s Sri Lankan unit to launch the country's first-ever cable car venture in
Nuwara Eliya with an investment of over Rs. 56 billion (รค 28.8 million). The
government is aiming to promote Nuwara Eliya as a leading tourist hotspot in
the country with the launch of the cable car campaign.
"This Nanu
Oya to Single Tree cable car project will revolutionise Sri Lanka's tourism
sector and add value to Nuwara Eliya as one of our country's top tourist
destinations," Minister Navin Dissanayake of Plantation Industries said. The
plan will consist of a total of 86 vehicles, each capable of carrying ten
people, while 43 cars will be operational in the first phase. He also said the
project would begin within the next two months, and in a year, the early stage
of it would be operational.
When asked what
made the government select Nuwara Eliya in particular, Dissanayake said he decided
upon it after careful consideration of its natural beauty and elevated
connection points, which could provide both local and foreign travellers with a
memorable experience as well as a bird's eye view. Outdoor Engineering Lanka
Ltd. and its international partner Dopelme Cable Car Company, have submitted a
proposal to launch a cable car project from Nanu Oya through Single Tree
Mountain to Gregory Lake.
After Plantation
Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake submitted a proposal to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake this project as a Board of
Investment (BOI) project, the Cabinet approved the cable car project in July
this year. Following approval by the Cabinet, the Minister said they were
seeking support from all related line ministries and the relevant line agencies,
including the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Central Environmental
Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Municipal Council of Nuwara
Eliya.
OSL Take: The
proposed cable car project would be an added attraction among foreign tourists.
It would undoubtedly add to Sri Lanka’s destination package. Also, the interest
shown by the international company to invest in Sri Lanka’s tourism development
program is a clear indication of the confidence foreign businesses have in the
growth potential of the country’s tourism sector. Foreign businesses/investors
could explore the opportunities in proposing innovative development programs
targeting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
VBS/AT/20191105/Z_TB2
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