Tourist Attractions of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka which is called “the pearl in the Indian Ocean”is a very popular tourist paradise in the world. It is a country with a proud History that goes back more than 2500 years. As Sri Lankans we have that pride and consider us lucky to live in a place like this. Not only the historical background and historical sites, it’s a lovely place with remarkable geographical locations with panoramic sights. Tourists come to Sri Lanka for holidays and sightseeing.

This tourist attraction in our country includes; ancient ruins, waterfalls, world heritage forests, botanical gardens and Sandy beaches.

The ruins represent our great and proud History which shows the different periods of past kings. Tourists who are interested in History, sculpture, paintings and other arts visit them.

There are also colorful religious festivals in our country. The “Kandy Perahara” is one of the most attractive events with traditional Kandyan dancers, drum beaters especially elephants, that fascinate the tourists.

National Parks and Forests also pay a key role in this industry.
Yala, Wipattu , Wasgamuwa,Bird Sanctuary and the World Heritage site the Sinharaja Rain Forest; are some of these natural parks. Tourists who are interested on wild life, nature, bird watching visit these unique environments. Especially, animal lovers never forget to visit these parks.

Spectacular sandy beaches around country are also a blessing to our motherland. Tourists who like swimming, sun bathing go to these sandy beaches. Coral gardens, a massive coral reef in Hikkaduwa , is another major attraction.

There is also a world popular palace which shows the architectural skills of our ancient ancestors. It’s the Rock Fortress “Sigiriya” , that is famous for the Sigiriya paintings.

All these beautiful festivals and places are the main parts of this industry. Tourism brings a lot of foreign exchange to our country. Also it provides thousands of jobs to our people.

Therefore, it’s the duty of the government to develop and provide infrastructural facilities to strengthen this industry. More luxurious hotels should be built to increase the demand and the private Sector should be encouraged to play a major role as well.

We! As real Sri Lankans, should try to make use of the beauty of the country and festivals, to develop the industry of tourism. Finally I would like to say “SRI LANKA A LAND LIKE NO OTHER!” and it’s a UNIQUE country!!!!

Shanaka Daupadith Warnakulasooriya,
Grade 11,
Dharmaraja College, Kandy
DOB: 6/14/1993

Date: 5/30/2009