Abstract:
Ritigala has significances from archaeological, historical, cultural, botanical and
zoological (Natural environment) aspects. Nevertheless, still Ritigala is not functioned
as a famous tourist destination. The general objective of this research is to Propose a
Sustainable Tourism development approach for promote Ritigala as a tourist
destination in Sri Lanka with diverse tourism products while introducing the existing
archaeological and tourist attractions in Ritigala. The specific objectives of this
research consists with organize a proper preservation program to preserve
archaeological evidences and preserve the biodiversity of Ritigala, develop suitable
infrastructures and hospitality services for domestic and foreign tourists and develop
the socio-economic aspect of host community of Ritigala. Ritigala located at
Senadiriyagama Grama Niladari Division in Kekirawa Devjsional Secretariat Division
which belongs to Anuradhapura District of North Central Province. According to the
location Ritigala is surrounded by the famous tourist destinations of Dambulla,
Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Library survey method, field research
method, and sample survey method were used to collect data for this research and
Statistical analysis and SWOT analysis were used for analyzed the relationship
between selected variables of archaeological and tourist attractions in Ritigala, social
awareness about Ritigala, satisfaction on visiting Ritigala, sustainable tourism
development approach for Ritigala, and the tourist arrivals to Ritigala. According to
the analysis, there is a significant relationship between tourist arrivals and selected
variables related to Ritigala. Therefore, this research is directed to point out the
significances of existing archaeological and tourist attractions, and recommendations
to promote Ritigala as a famous tourist destination with diverse products and activities
which could provide satisfaction for both domestic and foreign tourists.
