A high-level meeting took place yesterday (November 3) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss turning Kurunegala's historic Ridi Viharaya into an international tourist hotspot. The session was held under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Dr. Namal Sudarshana and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The project focuses on transforming the ancient temple complex into a global hub for Buddhist and spiritual wellness, while keeping its historical and cultural value intact. Officials plan to promote it for yoga, meditation, and spiritual retreats, aiming to attract around 5,000 foreign visitors every month.
Eco-friendly moves and local upgrades
Authorities plan to maintain Ridi Viharaya and its neighbourhood as a carbon-free zone. Eco-friendly methods will be introduced for local transport, dining, and other visitor services.
The initiative will also offer awareness and skill training programmes for local youth. At the same time, road networks and infrastructure will be improved to connect the temple easily with other nearby tourist sites.
State institutions join hands
Carrying out this master plan will involve joint work by several government bodies. These include the Ministry of Tourism, the Urban Development Authority, the North Western Provincial Tourism Development Authority, the Road Development Authority, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Department of Forest Conservation.
