A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Euwan Ranasinghe was held yesterday at the Tourism Ministry to address critical issues affecting both local and international tourists at Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including senior officials from the Tourism Promotion Bureau, Forest Conservation Department, Urban Development Authority, Dambulla Divisional Secretariat, Central Cultural Fund, and the Department of Archaeology. Coordinating Secretary to the Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath and Chaminda Jayanatha were also in attendance.
Despite its status as one of the world’s most expensive archaeological sites, Sigiriya faces significant challenges that detract from the visitor experience. The discussion highlighted several pressing concerns:
Key Challenges Identified
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Long Queues and Inadequate Facilities
- Tourists experience prolonged wait times at ticket counters, worsened by insufficient first aid and water facilities.
- A lack of rest areas leaves non-climbing tourists, especially group travelers, in discomfort.
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Safety Concerns
- Insufficient street lighting puts tourists at risk of wildlife encounters.
- Emergency shelters for wasp attacks are outdated and inadequate.
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Visitor Management and Infrastructure
- Heavy traffic during holidays disrupts schedules for foreign tourists.
- A lack of thematic and visually engaging signage diminishes the overall experience.
- Unregulated tourist guides and unapproachable security personnel contribute to dissatisfaction.
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Site Maintenance and Value for Money
- Neglected ancient water lilies and other historical features require restoration.
- The Sigiriya Museum falls short of international standards, further diminishing the site’s appeal.
- Despite high entry fees, tourists feel they receive insufficient value for their investment.
Proposed Solutions
To tackle these challenges and enhance Sigiriya’s appeal, several initiatives were proposed:
- Streamlining ticketing systems to minimize wait times.
- Installing street lighting and upgrading first aid facilities for improved safety.
- Establishing designated rest areas and enhancing toilet facilities, particularly near key locations like the Lion’s Foot.
- Introducing a thematic, visually engaging signage system to improve navigation and visitor engagement.
- Expanding and upgrading emergency shelters to address risks like wasp attacks.
- Upgrading the Sigiriya Museum to align with international standards.
- Restoring historical elements such as the ancient water lilies in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology.
A Vision for Sustainable Tourism
These proposed measures aim to provide a safer, more comfortable, and enriching experience for visitors while preserving the cultural and archaeological significance of Sigiriya. By addressing these challenges, the government seeks to align Sigiriya with global tourism standards, ensuring its continued appeal and sustainable management.
