Steps initiated to develop Delft Island as sustainable tourism hub
Daily Mirror: The Government has initiated steps to develop Delft Island in the Northern Province as a sustainable tourism destination, with the aim of attracting more visitors by promoting underutilised tourist locations.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe recently participated in a special inspection tour of Delft Island and discussions with government officials, with Jaffna District as the base, as part of a programme to accelerate tourism development in the Northern Province.
The initiative focuses on transforming Delft Island, known for its Dutch-era historical monuments and population of wild horses, into a sustainable tourism hub. During the visit, officials assessed existing requirements and identified areas needing development.
Plans are underway to secure financial allocations through the upcoming Budget and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to improve infrastructure facilities, including drinking water supplies, road networks, transport services and tourism-related skills among local communities.
The inspection tour and discussions were attended by Jaffna District MPs Ilankumaran Karunanathan, Dr. Sri Bhavanadaraja Shanmuganathan and Rajeevan Jeyachandramurthy, officials from the SLTDA and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Delft Divisional Secretary, regional authorities, government officials, residents, and representatives from the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Police.
Following the visit, a discussion was held at the Jaffna District Secretariat involving the District Secretary, state officials, security forces and police representatives to review tourism development plans, future initiatives and progress in the Jaffna District.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop underutilised destinations such as Delft Island are creating new business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors as the country seeks to diversify its tourism offering and attract visitors beyond established tourist hotspots. The planned development of Delft as a sustainable tourism destination, with improved water supplies, roads, transport and community skills, highlights the potential for investment in emerging tourism locations. Its historical attractions and unique wildlife also provide a foundation for developing specialised experiences. Beyond accommodation, business/investment opportunities are emerging in eco-tourism, boutique hotels, adventure tourism, wellness, transport, local experiences, hospitality services and tourism-related infrastructure. Similar development initiatives across the Northern Province and other less-developed destinations could create new business/investment opportunities while spreading tourism income to local communities. For foreign businesses/investors, Sri Lanka’s expanding tourism industry therefore offers opportunities to participate in the development of new destinations and tourism products, while benefiting from the country’s growing visitor market and diverse natural and cultural attractions.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260811Z_1 |