The opportunity that has been created for tourists to visit the eight sand banks associated with Rama’s Bridge from Thalaimannar will mark a new chapter in the development of tourism in the Northern Province. Through this, I believe that the arrival of local and foreign tourists to Mannar District will increase significantly, said Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan.
The first-day event of World Tourism Day – 2026, organized jointly by the Northern Province Tourism Bureau, Mannar District Secretariat and Northern Province Chamber of Industries to mark World Tourism Day, was held today – on Friday 25 September 2026), at Alpatha Grounds in Mannar. The Governor, who participated as the chief guest at the event, made these remarks while addressing the stage event held after viewing the exhibition of local food products and handicrafts.
The Governor stated that the tourism sector in the Northern Province is gradually developing and noted that a favourable environment has now been created for tourists to visit our province. He also stated that the present government is allocating significant funds for the development of the tourism sector and said that this opportunity should be utilized to further develop tourism in the Northern Province.
Noting that tourists arriving from foreign countries seek out and enjoy our traditional food varieties, the Governor stated that encouraging the display and sale of traditional food varieties in a manner that attracts them would be an excellent initiative.
He also noted that it is commendable that the Northern Province Tourism Bureau is already conducting such food festivals in each district.
Furthermore, the Governor stated that an opportunity has now been created for tourists to visit the eight sandbanks associated with Rama’s Bridge from Talaimannar, and expressed confidence that this will bring about significant progress in the development of tourism in the Northern Province.
He stated that the creation of such new tourism opportunities will further introduce the natural and tourism resources of Mannar District and create an opportunity to increase the arrival of local and foreign tourists to the district.
The Mannar District Secretary, Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Local Government of the Northern Province, Hon. Chairman of the Mannar Municipal Council, Chairman, Director and members of the Northern Province Tourism Bureau, Director of Planning and Accountant of the Provincial Ministry of Local Government, officials of the Mannar District Secretariat and many others participated in the event.
