🌿 World Bank Backs US$ 1 Mn Groundwork for Sri Lanka's Nature-Tourism Sector

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a US$ 1 Mn grant from the World Bank's Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP) to fund 18 months of groundwork for a major nature-based tourism initiative. • Strategic Focus: The grant funds project preparation for the Tourism for Heritage Resilience Inclusion and Value-driven Employment (THRIVE) – Nature project, submitted by Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi. • Core Objective: Address the country's weak tourism revenue growth relative to rising visitor arrivals by shifting focus from sheer volume to high-value, quality experiences. • Key Interventions: Combines habitat restoration and conservation with tourism infrastructure upgrades across national parks, forests, and wetlands. • Synergy: Expands and strengthens existing programs under the World Bank-funded Ecosystem Conservation and Management Project to ensure long-term environmental sustainability alongside economic growth.