Plans ready to develop old Bogambara Prison Complex as tourist attraction

BY CYRIL WIMALASURENDRA

KANDY –

 Information Minister and State Media Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told a media briefing in Kandy over the weekend that plans were afoot to develop the old Bogambara Prison buildings and its land as a prominent tourist attraction.

There were 14 acres of land on which the former Bogambara Prison buildings stand, and the land could be easily converted into a place of attraction for both local and foreign visitors to the heritage city of Kandy, the Minister said.

Sri Lankans, particularly the Kandyan traditional craftsmen and artistes, would be given the opportunity to display their goods within the premises, the Minister said

Foreign tourists should be given the opportunity to remain in Kandy for several days instead of allowing them to leave Kandy in a day or two, Minister Rambukwella added.

 Minister Rambukwella addressed the media after attending a meeting with the Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage, Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, State Minister Dilum Amunugama, State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne, MP Wasantha Yapa Bandara and Kandy District Secretary Chandana Tennakoon.