Eco tourism has gained wide popularity in several foreign countries and it is the aim of the government to develop eco- tourism in the Hambantota district, District Secretary Hambantota R. M. D. B. Meegasmulla said at the opening of the information centre at the Walawe Nadee jungle river safari at Pattiya Waraya in Ambalantota.

He said that the Hambantota district had a lot of tourist attractions. There were resources in the region which were of immense importance for tourists and remained untapped so far.

It was high time for the State, investors and the Ruhunu Tourism Bureau to take action to develope tourism in the district.

The blowhole Hummanaya, Madunagala hot springs, the Ridiyagama Ambalantota Safari park are now popular tourist attractions in the district.