Major Development Projects Worth Over Rs. 1 Billion Underway in Ella
A number of major development projects worth more than Rs. 1 billion are currently underway to improve infrastructure, including roads, and further boost tourism in the Ella area, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said.
The Ella Waterfall Road, which had not been renovated for around 26 years and is widely used by tourists, has been concreted and opened to the public following its development.
Meanwhile, the Dunhinda–Ballaketuwa–Demodara Road is being developed at a cost of Rs. 500 million, while Rs. 370 million has been allocated for the development of the Ella–Passara Road. Development work is also underway on the Kandekumbura Road at a cost of Rs. 270 million and the Piyarapandowa Road at a cost of Rs. 59 million.
In addition to infrastructure development, several new plans have been introduced to enhance Ella’s tourism appeal. A new tunnel is planned to provide access to Ella, while a 2.5-acre RDA land located in the town centre is to be developed into a modern tourism complex, shopping centre and exhibition space with an initial allocation of Rs. 50 million from the Urban Development Authority.
Plans are also underway to completely remove the existing garbage dump in Ella within the next one to two months and beautify the site, with assistance from the Pradeshiya Sabha and the military.
As part of the programme, a new dump yard will be constructed in the Anapallama area of Wellawaya at a cost of Rs. 10 million, while a further Rs. 10 million will be allocated for waste transportation.
The Deputy Minister made these remarks while participating in the ceremony held recently to open the renovated Ella Waterfall Road to the public.
