Presidential Mansions to be Converted into Tourist Resorts

31-Aug-2025

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President Anurakumara Disanayake has called for investments to convert presidential mansions located in tourist zones into luxury resorts.

The preliminary budget discussion for 2026 with private sector stakeholders in the tourism industry was held on 29 August 2025 at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by President Disanayake.

During the meeting, the President stressed that mere incentive schemes would not be sufficient to achieve the targets set for the tourism sector in 2026. Instead, a new strategic plan integrating both public and private sectors should be implemented.

He invited investors to develop presidential mansions and official residences of ministers in areas such as Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura, Mahiyanganaya, and Kataragama into comfortable resorts targeting both domestic and foreign tourists. He further stated that a formal plan would soon be implemented for this initiative.

Traders also highlighted existing shortcomings and challenges in the tourism industry, while the President urged them to submit proposals for the sector’s growth.

The meeting was attended by Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyaaratchi, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Halangamuwa, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Apponsu, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Puddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe, along with private sector representatives.