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    Executive summary

    The purpose of this report was to analyze Eco-tourism practices in Sri Lanka,

    identify the problems and negative gaps in order to create an action plan

    concentrating on a part of the island which can be implemented to attract more

    tourists while getting the use of Sri Lankan natural heritage.

    This report indicates the problems, strengths, weaknesses of the selected location

    and opportunities and threats from the external parts which are largely

    uncontrollable. This report describes how to utilize strengths and how to capitalize

    upon opportunities before they are lost. This report also describes how to minimize

    weaknesses and different recommendations to overcome threats.

    The research team conducted researches based on the area which has been

    located, to identify current trade practices and also conducted web based

    researches to identify best trade practices of a benchmarking location which is

    similar or related to the area of Sri Lanka.

    The research team compared the benchmarking location with the location of Sri

    Lanka in order to identify negative gaps and also provide recommendations that

    can be practically implemented by the ministry of environment to bridge the

    negative gap

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    Table of contents

    1.0

    Introduction

    ..3

    2.0 Background to Eco-friendly tourism in Dambulla

    ..4

    2.1 Current Eco-friendly tourism trade practices Followed by the hotels inDambulla...................4

    3.0 Strengths- weaknesses opportunities threats (SWOT)

    Analysis.7

    3.1 Strengths

    3.2 Weaknesses

    3.3 Opportunities

    3.4 Threats

    4.0

    Benchmarking

    ..10

    4.1 Preface to Eco-friendly tourism In Lumbini

    10

    5.0 Gap

    analysis

    .13

    6.0 Conclusions

    .15

    7.0

    Recommendations

    .16

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    8.0 References

    ..17

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    10 Introduction

    This report was requested by Mr. George Siriwardena deputy general of ministry of

    environment. This report is a detailed action plan which can be implemented by the

    ministry of environment to promote eco friendly tourism in Sri Lanka and also

    provide information from both primary and secondary sources and useful

    recommendations from the point of view of an environmental sustainability

    consultant.

    According to Eco friendly tourism (n.d.)Ecotourism is Ecological sustainable tourism

    with a primary focus of experiencing natural areas and fosters environmental and

    cultural understanding and improves the well-being of local people.

    Based on the definition of TIES we conducted primary researches concentrating on

    Dambulla which is situated in the Mathale District in the Central province of Sri

    Lanka. The research team Identified Current Eco- friendly practices and Philosophies

    followed by the hotels and resorts of Dambulla.

    This report also explains the role of the local people and determines how to get

    their knowledge and skills towards the development of Eco-friendly Tourism.

    Therefore the research team examined how hotels and resorts of Dambulla have

    helped the local communities. Based on the results of the SWOT analysis, the

    research team identified that there are more opportunities in the present than the

    past due to end of war in May 2009. Nevertheless there were internal weaknesses

    of our selected location. Dambulla has only limited number of hotel rooms and only

    two hotels are certified as Eco-friendly hotels by NGOs. Sri Lankan Government also

    does not offer a standard certificate for environmental friendly eco-tourism

    practices. Even though Dambulla is one of the best places for eco-tourism some

    resorts are not utilizing the strengths of the location to the expected level.

    The Serendib businesses solutions research team identified different alternatives

    that can be used to solve problems faced by Dambulla as an eco-tourism

    destination. Serendib business solutions also analyzed the current trade practicesand situation in Dambulla and benchmarked other practices followed in Lumbini In

    Nepal since the Social, cultural, economical and religious background of two

    locations are related to one another. The research team compared the practices

    and policies followed in Lumbini and Dambulla in order to identify negative gaps

    and also provide recommendations that can be practically implemented by the

    ministry of environment to bridge the negative gaps.

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    20 Background to Eco-friendly tourism In Dambulla

    According to Eco friendly tourism (n.d.) Ecotourism is Ecological sustainable

    tourism with a primary focus of experiencing natural areas and fosters

    environmental and cultural understanding and improves the well-being of local

    people.

    Ecotourism was first introduced in Africa in the 1950s with the legalization of

    hunting (Miller, 2007).

    Eco Tourism concepts were introduced to Sri Lanka in 1998 by Sri Lanka Eco-

    tourism Foundation (SLEF).SLEF has identified several eco tourism locations in Sri

    Lanka such as Belihul oya, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Bundala National Park and

    Dambulla( Sri Lanka Eco-tourism Foundation, n.d.)

    According to Serendipty Tours (2007) Sri Lanka is an eco tourism paradise, with 8th

    wonder of the world SIGIRYA in Dambulla.

    The two main Eco friendly certified hotels in Dambulla are Amaaya Lake Resort and

    Heritance Kandalama. Heritance Kandalama won Asias Responsible Tourism Award

    for large hotel category in 2010( Aitken Spence, 2010).

    2.1Current Eco-friendly tourism trade practices Followed by the

    hotels in Dambulla

    Heritance Kandalama is a Certified Eco-friendly Hotel which is also one of the best

    Eco-friendly hotels in Asia. Heritance Hotel represents a unique Green Philosophy

    that combines responsible tourism with environment friendliness. The Heritance

    Kandalama has won awards as one of the most eco-friendly hotels in the world. It is

    by far the most environment friendly hotel in Sri Lanka. Heritance hotels have

    pioneered eco tourism in Sri Lanka(Green Philosophy, n.d.).

    Geoffrey Bawas visionary architectural design

    Heritance kandalama was designed by Geoffrey Bawa, a world famous architecture.

    Geoffrey Bawas visionary architectural design has ensured that no lights are

    required anywhere in the hotel during daytime. All spaces are designed to receive

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    an adequate amount of natural light. As a result of something as simple as the

    allowance for lighting, the hotel makes a substantial saving in the energy that is

    consumed (Green Philosophy, n.d.)

    Eco-friendly practices followed by heritance Kandalama whenbuilding the hotel

    The hotel was built between two rock formations and none of the trees on the

    location were destroyed. The entire hotel is built on a raised platform allowing water

    to flow under the hotel. It also allows the free flow of animals under the hotel,

    creating a minimum impact on the eco system.

    Energy conservation policy

    The hotel has a comprehensive energy conservation policy with power cut-off

    switches, energy efficient lighting (CFL bulbs), photo active garden lights and solar

    power hot water systems. Heritance Kandalama uses a bio mass plant which uses

    renewable sources such as leaves, cow dung and elephant dung provided by

    villagers instead of depleting source to generate power. Heritance Kandalama also

    has joined hands with Sri Lankan Sustainable energy authority and also has won

    certificates from ministry of environment, tourism and energy for the contribution to

    Environment conservation (Energy, Water and Waste Management, n.d.).

    Water conservation P olicy

    The hotel also has a comprehensive water conservation policy where no surface

    water is utilized. Even though the hotel is surrounded by the 1700 year old

    reservoirs, this water has been untouched and none of it is used for hotel use.

    Water is obtained from deep tube wells in a sustainable manner. In addition, rain

    water is harvested from a maze of gutters. 100% waste water is painstakingly

    recycled by a state-of-the art facility and reused resulting in reduction of fresh

    water use Energy, Water and Waste Management, n.d.).

    Environment Conservation Policy

    In order to prevent deforestation and the construction of unauthorized artificial

    structures the hotel has invested in creating the conservational forest of over 200

    acres. This includes part of the 50 acres of land within the hotel premises and a

    dedicated forest conservation of 198 acres. This reservation area would be the

    home for 128 species of native flora, 183 species of birds, 19 species of reptiles and

    amphibians, 17 species of mammals and 64 species of butterflies. Furthermore no

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    plants have been introduced by the hotel itself in order to maintain the natural

    habitat of the area (Bio Diversity Protection & Conservation Forest, n.d.).

    Eco Parks and other Eco-friendly activitiesThe Eco Park is one of the unique attractions of Kandalama. It includes a range of

    features including our wildlife orphanage, state-of-the-art waste water recycling

    plant, compost fertilizer pits, wet and solid waste recycling centres, elephant dung

    paper making facility, herbal garden, eco library and open air sports facilities.

    The Elephant dung paper making plant which is managed by the hotel, Makes

    handmade writing papers according to international standards and also imported to

    countries like USA and other Western European counties. Elephant dung paper

    manufacturing helps the conservation of this endangered and largest of land

    animals (elephant dung paper.n.d.).

    Helping Local Communities

    Heritance Kandalama provides career opportunities to more than 220 employees

    from local communities on full time permanent basis and trains and recruits

    unemployed youth from surrounding villages. Heritance Kandalama also gives a

    helping hand to Substantial numbers of local craftsmen/women are provided a

    market place to sell their crafts and local artists, drummers and dancers areencouraged by the hotel by developing and promoting traditional Sri Lankan art

    forms while earning them a livelihood. This also helps to revive disappearing

    traditions (Helping local communities. n.d.).

    Other social work

    Helping schools by conducting seminars for teachers and students.

    Gifting class rooms, books, desks, chairs and other equipments for needy

    schools.

    Heritance Kandalama has invested their own funds to provide access to

    electricity over 750 families, access to safe drinking water to over 600

    families.

    Heritance kandalama has built 6.5 km of road the road access to the village

    for common public use.

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    10 Strengths- weaknesses opportunities threats (SWOT) Analysis

    The research team of Serendib business solutions carried out an analysis to identify

    internal strengths and weaknesses of Dambulla as an ecotourism destination and

    also to uncover opportunities and threats faced by Dambulla. This SWOT analysis

    was analyzed critically to provide recommendation to the ministry of environment.

    Results gathered from the SWOT analysis would be useful for eco tourism hotels in

    Dambulla and also for the ministry of environment not only to get the maximum use

    strengths and opportunities but also to minimize and overcome weaknesses and

    Threats.

    3.1 Strengths

    Dambulla is located in the middle of the island which helps tourist from othercountries to reach Dambulla easily. Tourists who visit Dambulla will also find

    it convenient to visit other tourist destinations. Dambulla also has the direct

    connectivity to major cities, Airports, seaports and Local markets. Dambulla

    also has the Sri Lankas largest Economic centre established in 1999 for

    agricultural products (Gunatilleke, 2007).

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    Dambulla is a scenic location with vast number of tourist attraction including

    Rose quartz mountains, Dambulla Rock, Dambulla International Cricket

    Stadium, Dambulla Tank and Dambulla cave temple which is commonly

    known as Dambulu Viharaya which is the largest and the best preservedcave temple in the world and it is also named as a world heritage site in 1991

    by UNESCO. Dambulla is one of the best places to watch animals in their

    natural habitat and elephant rides along the Dambulla reservoir is a common

    sight (Michael, 1995).Therefore Dambulla can use these tourist attractions to

    capture more visitors.

    3.1 Weaknesses

    Although Dambulla has many tourists hotels situated across the area, only

    two hotels are certified and awarded by NGOs and international bodies as

    eco-friendly hotels and for their practices. The research team identified manysmall guest houses and lodges in the area which are not financially

    established. As a result of that these lodges have not reached a greater

    acceptance by the international bodies or NGOs and also not following any

    Eco-friendly practices since it is costly. This shows that there are only few

    eco-friendly hotels rooms in Dambulla, which will be not enough for the

    increasing number of tourists to Sri Lanka. (Gunatilleke, 2007).

    There isnt any standard certification given for Eco-friendly practices

    Sponsored by the government or any Sri Lankan authority. A standard

    certificate for Eco-friendly hotels sponsored by the government would be an

    important fact especially for small guest houses and lodges which are unable

    to reach the international level. Offering a certificate would also encourage

    small hotels and hotels which are under construction to follow eco-friendly

    practices. Sri Lankan Government should examine the practices and

    strategies critically according to international criterias and measures before

    offering the certificate.

    3.1 Opportunities After the end of civil war in May 2009 Sri Lankan economy shows a growth

    with 7% GDP in 2010. Sri Lankan government has invested heavily on many

    development and infrastructure projects including tourist hotels, Highways,

    Airports and Seaports. Due to these reasons, it shows a development in the

    banking, shipping, transportation and communication sectors in Sri Lanka.

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    These positive conditions have made a positive impact on the trade of

    tourism (Jayatilleke, 2010).

    After the end of civil war in May 2009 Sri Lanka shows an increase in touristarrivals to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is expecting 2.5 million tourists to visit Sri

    Lanka in 2016. The increasing number of tourist arrivals will certainly provide

    more carrier opportunities for local communities (Gonetilleke, 2010).

    Low Interest rate on long term loans has provided an opportunity for

    businesses to raise funds for the investment in the trade of tourism. When

    the inflation is 6.5% in 2010 the interest rates on long term loans was

    13.25%p.a showing a real rate of 6.33%p.a (Daniel, 2010).

    3.1 Threats

    The Biggest threat that was faced by Sri Lanka was the thirty year civil war and

    during the time of conflict many countries advised their citizens not to travel to Sri

    Lanka Due to Security reasons. Therefore many tourists refused to visit Sri Lanka

    during the time of conflict. When conducting the SWOT analysis, the research team

    did not identify any threats faced by Sri Lanka which shows that the conditions are

    now in favor of Sri Lanka and the Negative image of Sri Lanka has totally changed in

    the international arena.

    New York Times in2010 indicated that Sri Lanka is the one of the safest place

    to travel.

    National geographic Channel in 2010 Ranked Sri Lanka as the Second Best

    Island In the world.

    Worldtoursim.com in May 24, 2010shows that Sri Lanka is one of the best eco

    friendly place to travel

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    10 Benchmarking

    The following Section gives the best Eco tourism practices followed in Lumbini in

    Nepal. The benchmarking followed in the report due the fact that, these principles

    are compared against the current practices followed in Dambulla in order to identify

    negative gaps.

    4.1 Preface to Eco-friendly tourism In Lumbini

    This section gives a precise Introduction to the Eco-friendly tourism in Nepal.

    In Nepal tourism is a major foreign exchange earner.

    Major tourist destinations are Himalaya, Lumbini, Katmandu, Patan Dubur and

    Baktapur Dudur.

    Nepal is specialized for eco-friendly tourist activities such as trekking,expeditions, Rafting, Safaris, biking and rock climbing.

    The reason why the research team of Serendib business solutions chose Lumbini for

    benchmarking purpose is due to the similarities in the social, cultural and regional

    areas with the selected Sri Lanka location Dambulla. Both locations are sacred

    Buddhist destinations.

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    Most of the tourists travel to Sri Lanka and Nepal are Indians, which is 70% and 49.3

    % respectively.

    Lumbini is the Birth place of Lord Buddha and named as a world heritage site byUNESCO in 1997(Rathnasinghe, 2010).

    Dambulla has the world largest best preserved cave temple with 153 ancient

    Buddha statues which is also named as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1991

    (Handunnetti, 2009).

    Practices followed in Lumbini

    The sacred city of lumbini has 12 Eco-friendly hotels which are certified by the

    government of Nepal, according to universal criterias. Some of these hotels have

    won many international awards and eco-friendly certifications for their practices.The official data from Lumbini Development Trust, Information Centre shows a

    mounting rate of tourists in Lumbini with increment by 20.69 % in comparison of

    2009. The pilgrims and tourists from 94 countries visited Lumbini this year. Sri-

    Lanka kept its top position with the total number of 37,645 visitors (Mounting

    Rates of tourists to Lumbini2011).

    Special Visa procedures for Sri Lankan Pilgrims.Nepal has identified Sri Lankan pilgrims to Lumbini and introduced special

    visa procedures. For Sri Lankan Pilgrims visiting Lumbini can get single entry

    visa for 15 days in US$ 10 or equivalent convertible currency. (Mountain

    delights treks and expeditions n.d.).

    Environmental education program s for foreigners who visits Lumbini

    The government of Nepal has initiated Environmental education programs for

    foreigners who visit Lumbini. The main objective of this program is to educate

    foreigners about the natural environment of Lumbini and to bring about

    awareness about the environmental problems faced (Ecotourism in Lumbini

    n.d.).

    Environmental conservation fundTravelers to Lumbini have not only shown concern about their impact on nature, but

    also a willingness to pay for its conservation. The provided the fund is utilized

    directly for the protection of the environment. Makalu-Barun National Park and

    Kanchenjunga Conservation Projects are funded by entrance fees paid by

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    visitors for National Parks and Conservation Areas. (Eco-tourism in Lumbini

    n.d.).

    National Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1997 and theEnvironment Protection Rules (EPR) of 1997 of Nepal are strictly

    implemented in Lumbini

    Government of Nepal has banned bottled drinks from the National Parks and

    Conservation Areas of Lumbini.

    Moreover, only 20 lodges per five years per conservation area are allowed to be

    built. The government monitors the construction processes of each hotel and offers

    an Eco-friendly standard certificate based on their practices. Without the standard

    certificates, hotels are not allowed to do any business within the conservation area.

    In order to maintain quality in the lodges, they are allowed to charge only fix rates

    as determined by the government. (Ecotourism in Lumbini n.d.).

    Eco friendly standard Certificate issued by the Government of Nepal.

    Eco-friendly Standard certification is given after analyzing and evaluating the

    practices according to the international criteria introduced by TIES (The

    International Eco-tourism Society);

    Ecotourism Key Principles -According to International Eco Tourism

    standards (n.d.) "Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary

    focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and

    cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".

    The core set of eight principles for ecotourism products Nature

    area focus, Interpretation, Environmental sustainability practice,Contribution to conservation, Benefitting local communities, Cultural

    respect, Customer satisfaction and responsible marketing

    (International Eco Tourism standards ,n.d.).

    Helping local communities of LumbiniSince the Participation of the local people is a major factor in these projects they

    have been given various training regarding health and conservation of biodiversity.

    They have also been taught income generating activities like vegetable gardening

    and sewing. For example Aluminum can left behind by pilgrims are being recycled

    into pots and pans by local blacksmiths which is an income generating activity. By

    empowering local people with appropriate financial assistance, the projects help the

    villagers not only in improving the quality of their lives but also in providing them

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    alternatives to their traditional means of income which generally were connected to

    the surrounding forests conservation.(Bhudhathoki, 2003)

    10 Gap Analysis

    The Research team of Serendib business solutions has identified the currentEco-friendly trade practices followed by the hotels of Dambulla. These trade

    practices of Dambulla has been further analyzed and compared with the

    benchmarking research and identified negative gaps which is explained in

    this section.

    1. Eco-friendly standard certificate sponsored by the government would be

    an important step to promote eco-tourism in Sri Lanka.

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    The Eco-friendly certificate for hotels in conservation areas such as

    Lumbini is essential to launch a hotel which shows that without the

    certificate no hotels are allowed in the conservation area in Nepal. The

    Certificate given by the government of Nepal follows the Internationalcriteria. (Ecotourism in Lumbini n.d.).

    Dambulla also has several conservation areas including the area which

    is conserved by Heritance Kandalama (200acres). Bordering these

    conservation areas new non-eco friendly hotels has established (Bio

    Diversity Protection & Conservation Forest, n.d.).

    In Dambulla there are two internationally certified eco-friendly hotels

    which are very popular for their eco-friendly practices. However There

    isnt any standard certification given for Eco-friendly practicesSponsored by the government of Sri Lanka or any Sri Lankan authority.

    A standard certificate for Eco-friendly hotels sponsored by the

    government would be an important fact especially for small guest

    houses and lodges which are unable to reach the international level.

    Offering a certificate would also encourage small hotels and hotels

    which are under construction to follow eco-friendly practices. Sri

    Lankan Government should examine the practices and strategies

    critically according to international criterias and measures before

    offering the certificate.

    1. Environmental education programs which are initiated by the government

    of Nepal have been Helpful to minimize their impact on the Environment

    and also to raise funds for their conservation.

    Environmental education programs Sponsored by the Government of

    Nepal In conservation areas such as Lumbini also promotes sustainable

    tourism and provide environmental and cultural education to travelers

    through free, impartial information and training programs (Ecotourism

    in Lumbini n.d.).

    In Dambulla There are Environmental educational programs held by

    the hotels in their conservation areas. However there isnt any

    environmental education program for foreigners, sponsored by theGovernment of Sri Lanka or any Sri Lankan authority. (elephant dung

    paper.n.d.).

    Conducting such educational programs in Sri Lanka would also help to

    promote eco-tourism and also to generate funds for Sri Lankan

    Conservation programs.

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    1. Environmental conservation fund.

    Environment education programs held in Nepal also raises funds for

    their conservation. The conservation fund, which is maintained by the

    donations of foreigners, is utilized directly for the protection of the

    environment.

    In Sri Lanka there are several Conservation funds in certain areas. In

    Sinharaja there is a rainforest conservation fund, Founded by the Sri

    Lankan Wildlife conservation society (Sri Lankan Wildlife conservation

    society 2007).

    In Dambulla there isnt any conservation fund. The research team of

    Serendib business solutions also found that Sri Lankan authorities are

    not charging an entrance fee at the entrance to conservation areas or

    at the entrance of Dambulla Cave temple.

    1. National Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1997 and the Environment

    Protection Rules (EPR) of 1997 of Nepal are strictly implemented in

    Lumbini and such conservation areas.

    Environment protection laws which are enacted in the parliament of Sri

    Lanka is not Implemented in conservation areas.

    National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980

    National Environmental (Amendment) Act, No. 56 of 1988

    National Environmental (Amendment) Act, No. 53 of 2000

    Neglecting the Implementation and necessary application of above

    mentioned acts has lead to many unethical practices by those hotels

    in Dambulla bordering the conservation areas of Heritance Kandalama

    (Bio Diversity Protection & Conservation Forest, n.d.).

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    http://www.cea.lk/pdf/act47-80.pdfhttp://www.cea.lk/pdf/act56-88.pdfhttp://www.cea.lk/pdf/act53-2000.pdfhttp://www.cea.lk/pdf/act47-80.pdfhttp://www.cea.lk/pdf/act56-88.pdfhttp://www.cea.lk/pdf/act53-2000.pdf
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    10 Conclusion

    6.1 Dambulla is one of the best eco-tourism destinations in Sri Lanka with many

    tourist attractions including Dambulla Cave temple, the largest and the best

    preserved cave temple.

    6.2Some current Eco-friendly trade practices followed by the hotels of Dambulla

    have made Dambulla as a premier eco-tourism destination in the region of

    Asia.

    6.3The research team of Serendib Business solutions identified different hotels

    in Dambulla which are not utilizing their Strengths and opportunities and also

    identified different hotels which are not following eco-friendly trade practices.

    6.4 Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha in Nepal, shows similarities to our

    selected location Dambulla, has been quite successful as a result of their

    Eco-friendly trade practices and the Involvement of the Government.

    6.5Lack of Involvement of the Government of Sri Lanka in the trade of Eco-

    tourism and Inability to Enforce and implement environmental protection

    Acts has caused a downfall in the trade of Eco-tourism.

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    Recommendations

    7.1. Introduce an eco-friendly Standard Certificate sponsored by the Ministry of

    environment, Sri Lanka or by a Sri Lankan Authority after analyzing and

    examining the Eco-friendly trade practices followed by the hotels according

    to the International Criteria introduced by TIES (the International eco-tourism

    society).

    Issuing a standard certificate for Eco-friendly practices will promote

    eco-tourism in Sri Lanka and will motivate small lodges and hotels to

    practice eco-friendly strategies. Foreign tourists as well as locals will also tend to consider the eco-

    friendly certificate before spending their money on holiday packages.

    7.1. Initiate Environmental Education programs for foreigners sponsored by the

    Ministry of environment in order to minimize their impact on the Environment

    and also to raise funds for Sri Lankan conservation programs.

    Ministry of Environment should encourage hotels to continue their

    Environmental education programs while getting the help of the hotels

    to initiate a National Environmental education program.

    These Environmental education programs should also promote

    sustainable tourism and provide environmental and cultural education

    to travelers.

    7.1. Establish an Environmental conservation fund In order to collect donations

    from foreigners who visit conservation areas of Sri Lanka.

    By establishing an environmental conservation fund, Sri Lankan can

    raise funds that can be utilized in Sri Lankan conservation Programs.

    Sri Lankan authorities can charge an entrance fee at the entrance to

    conservation areas or at the entrance of Dambulla Cave temple.

    Environmental education programs will also contribute to generate

    funds by raising awareness of tourists.

    7.1. Implement National Environmental acts 1980, 1988 & 2000 which are

    enacted by the Parliament of Sri Lanka especially in conservation areas of

    Dambulla in order to stop unethical practices by those hotels in Dambulla

    bordering the conservation areas of Heritance Kandalama.

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    The Research team of Serendib business solutions also found that the

    hotels, locals and foreigners are not aware of these environmental

    protection laws enacted in the parliament of Sri Lanka.

    Therefore the Ministry of Environment should also include a section toexplain environmental protection acts in their Environmental Education

    program.

    10 References

    1. Aitken Spence (2010).Retrieved 11 January 2011,from Aitken Spence Site:

    http://aitkenspencehotels.typepad.com/success_journey_continues/2010/10/a

    sias-responsible-tourism-award-goes-to-heritance-kandalama-.html

    2. Bhudhathoki , P.(2003) Empowering people to secure national resources: An

    overview of conservation status In Nepal .Journal of forest and livelihood,

    2(2), 72-76.

    3. Bio Diversity Protection & Conservation Forest.(n.d.) Retrieved 12 January

    2011,from Heritance Kandalama Site:

    http://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/green_philosophy/environment_c

    onservation.html

    4. Daniel, D. (2010, May 11)No pressure on inflation, interest rates from govt

    borrowing for now. The Island. pp 22-23

    5. Eco friendly tourism.(n.d.) Retrieved 11 January 2011,from TIES Site:

    http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4832143/k.CF7C/The_Intern

    ational_Ecotourism_Society__Uniting_Conservation_Communities_and_Sustain

    able_Travel.htm

    6. Ecotourism in Lumbini. (n.d.). Retrieved 20 January 2011,from Colorful Nepal

    Site: http://colorfulnepal.com/things-to-do/good-practices-ecotourism-in-the-lumbini.html

    7. Elephant dung paper.(n.d.) Retrieved 12 January 2011,from Heritance

    Kandalama Site: http://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/browse.php?

    catId=23

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