Browsing by Author "Senarathna, C."

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The Contribution of the Handicraft Industry towards the Industry of Tourism
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Senarathna, C.
Tourism industry is an economic bewitchment for most countries in the globe. In this background tourism sector has become one of the main and effective industries in Sri Lankan service production sector. Foreign exchange that is generated by tourism industry should be distributed among the stakeholders for a sustainable development of the country. Sri Lankans are rich in unrecognized skills to create a large amount of tangible and intangible creations like crafts, traditional arts, dancing, music etc. Through these crafts, Sri Lanka can create a competitive market to which even the locals can be attracted. There are many traditional handicrafts in Sri Lanka. Made using creative minds, feelings, tactics and tools and they could to create an attractive product to the market. Most tourists wish to purchase something to take back to their motherland from traveled destinations as a sournior. Sri Lanka is a country which encompasses a number of unique tangible and intangible values. Therefore it is advisable to recognize the target groups to sell these products as a market strategy. Handicraft industry in Sri Lanka plays a great role in selling these products in an efficient manner. In this background, the objective of this research was to identify the obstacles of the handicraft industry and solutions for those with a view to creating a perfect outcome. This qualitative study is mainly based on secondary data: published journals, reports and the internet. It can be seen that, there is no sufficient methodical plan to develop his industry and people who are engaged in the industry, are facing number of problems. High prices of finished goods, low quality productions, high production cost and the less production capacity are some problems that here identified. This situation resulted in creating a low demand of Sri Lankan handicrafts at the international market. Uplifting the traditional craftsmen for a quality and market attracted product via training programmes and workshops, introducing modern technology for finishing an effective outcome are some of the solutions towards creating a proper established market. Giving incentives to produce these tourists’ related productions using traditional and intangible values while approaching in a qualitative manner comparing the trade with the international level, paying attention to take necessary steps to re-establish the arts and craft villages and giving awards to encourage locals for their creations are some recommendations that can be suggested.
The issues faced in promoting Ritigala as an eco-tourist destination in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Senarathna, C.
Ritigala is a nature reserve in Anuradhapura having various significant values and it boasts of archaeological and ecological uniqueness. It is a also a very popular destination for unbelievable climate patterns. The research problem was how to attract responsible domestic and foreign travelers to Ritigala. Moreover, the major objective was to identify more and more nature based activities to create a well-attracted eco-product to satisfy the tourist. And the other objectives were to recognize the deficits and issues encountered by the visitors at the site. Research was based on both primary sources including filed observations, interviews and structured questioners and secondary sources such as reports, magazines and websites. The site and its periphery were explored and also the visitor related facilities were observed to identify the current situation of the site. The sample consisted of 30 domestic visitors and 20 foreign visitors who were randomly selected at the site during weekends. Visitors were interviewed with structured questionnaires to identify their perception, knowledge and comments regarding the site. Domestic visitors are attracted to the site more than foreign visitors. Most of the foreigners are from China and the other major markets are German, Thailand and UK. Most of the nature related activities cannot be seen at the site and it should be improved furthermore. Bird watching, photography, trekking, hiking, nature trails, carting, camping and tree home can be introduced to visitors to enjoy its nature based values. Most of the domestic visitors are not entirely aware of the archaeological values of the site and they are still not provided proper guidance within the site. Visitor related services and infrastructure facilities also are not at a satisfactory level. Information knowledge on the site and its values are not being updated accurately. There should be a proper site management plan, as this is a place which encompasses both archaeological and ecological values. Visitors should be given an opportunity to examine the site with accurate and updated information which should be provided at the site by the Department of Archaeology, travel and tourism related companies, and the community in the area.