Sri Lanka Tourism yesterday said the Government has launched plans to develop Delft Island as the country’s first zero-emission eco-tourism destination, with infrastructure upgrades, community participation and environmental sustainability forming the cornerstone of the proposed investment.
The initiative, discussed during a site inspection and stakeholder consultation led by Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, seeks to position the northern island as a flagship sustainable tourism destination while preserving its natural, historical and cultural assets.
Sri Lanka Tourism said Delft Island, known for its Dutch-era ruins, archaeological sites and free-roaming wild horses, remains an underutilised tourism asset despite its unique attractions and has so far made only a limited contribution to the country’s tourism industry.
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According to the Tourism Ministry, priority investments will focus on improving water supply, road infrastructure, transport connectivity and accessibility to support tourism development. The project also envisages strengthening community participation by enhancing the hospitality skills and knowledge of local residents to enable them to benefit directly from tourism-related economic activity.
Prof. Ranasinghe said the island should become a destination for both international and domestic visitors, adding that the Government was committed to unlocking its tourism potential through environmentally responsible development.
Sri Lanka Tourism said environmental sustainability would underpin the development strategy, with the island planned as a zero-emission tourism destination showcasing renewable and sustainable solutions and responsible tourism practices. The project is also expected to serve as a model for environmentally friendly tourism development elsewhere in the country.
Officials from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau participated in the discussions alongside Jaffna District MP Ilankumaran Karunanathan, Government officials, representatives of local authorities and members of the Delft community.
Sri Lanka Tourism said the initiative marks an important step towards positioning Delft Island as one of the country’s most distinctive sustainable tourism destinations, combining environmental conservation, heritage preservation and community-based tourism to create a world-class visitor experience.