Under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, the Northern Province program for developing coastal recreational parks was launched on 19th August.

The project aims to create beautiful, clean coastlines while enhancing tourist attractions for both local and international visitors and improving recreational facilities. Approximately 43 coastal sites across 14 districts are targeted for development as coastal recreational parks in alignment with the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. These sites will feature small parks, scenic walking trails, and footpaths.

As part of this effort, development work at the coastal park in Velanai, Pungudutivu in the Jaffna District was initiated on 19th August under the “From the Heart to Jaffna” program, with a budget allocation of LKR 26 million. A 20-meter-wide, 100-meter-long walking path will be constructed, alongside a vehicle parking area and the installation of 26 comfortable benches. Tree planting with “Karanda” trees to enhance the park’s beauty has also begun.

Simultaneously, the program will be implemented at five additional coastal sites in the Northern Province. The project benefits from technical support provided by the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, the Ministry of Environment, the Urban Development Authority, provincial local authorities, universities, and other institutions.

Upon completion of development, the maintenance of the sites will involve small-scale entrepreneurs, affiliated tourism organizations, community-based groups, willing private entities, or will be entrusted to the respective provincial local authorities.

To ensure high-quality public use, a comprehensive media campaign is underway from the project’s inception to raise awareness of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, the project’s significance, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

This program seeks to foster environmentally conscious attitudes among coastal communities and the general public, enhance the living standards of coastal residents and resource users, and stimulate economic growth grounded in coastal resource management.