The Round Table Dialogue on tourism and coastal communitues was conducted among various development actors and the affected communities at Colombo yeaterday.
The research report, "the dark clouds over sun shine paradise" was carried out in KKS, Kuchchaweli, Passikudah and Kalpitiya tourism zones around the country.
The representatives from the four communities were the key players in the dialogue and seriously challenged the hoteliers whose names were indicated in the report.
Francis Raajan, the Praja Abilasha coordinator of land rights campaign said, "We are not against tourism. But we are totally against the human rights violations committed by the investors, government agencies. We urge all parties to respect rights of the people."
Human Fernando, Puttlam District fisher people's federation said, "there is no respect the promises made by the politicians and tourism agencies not to evacuate people from their lands and islands. Instead today it is totaly opposite happen and force to leave the land which is the customary rights of people". We never allow this to happen any more and there should be a review of the plans of previous govt.
Mr. Neel De Silva, the investor of Dutch Bay Holiday Resort said in his speech, "We need to find sustainable tourism which allow coastal communities to benefit from the tourism. And in my hotel there are more than 60 percent employees are local youth and women."
"I was felt in love with the Kalpitiya area and maintain the environment with much interest and care." Added Neel de Silva in his charming and meditating tone.
NAFSO proposed 6 Steps/ Principles for a base on secure, sustainable communities under the globalized world with major development strategy of tourism. This will be further dialogue among all the parties involve the development paradigm.
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