The Government of the Netherlands has assigned LKR 700,000,000.00 (Rupees seven hundred million, approximately seven million US dollars) as a Grant for support to the Southern Cultural Triangle Programme. This Programme is a unique result of a longstanding cultural bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

The programme is an interesting blend of numerous projects on cultural heritage and economic development. It comprises the projects as spelt out in the Joint Policy Statement of January 18th 2006 that was signed by the Netherlands Minister of European Affairs and International Cultural Affairs, Hon. Mr Atzo Nicolai and the Sri Lankan Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Hon. Mr M. Abeywardena.

The focus of this ambitious programme is sustainable development of the Southern region by linking cultural heritage to tourism. Through the promotion of cultural tourism and involvement of the private sector, especially in the activities related to tourism, travel and leisure industries, the Southern region will attract more local and foreign visitors. This approach with the involvement of the private sector will create opportunities for income, employment and sustainable cultural heritage management.

One of the interesting projects is the construction of a regional museum and visitor centre at the Kataragama Temple complex. It is foreseen that the outcomes of project will provide a broad knowledge and information on the historical value of the area to the public, local and foreign tourists as well as school children.

Also noteworthy is the rehabilitation of the rampart of the ancient fort of Galle. The rampart needs urgent attention to prevent from further deterioration. Conservation of the rampart in its original form will have a positive impact on the world heritage city Galle, as the major historic cultural tourist destination in the South.

A Task Force has been appointed by His Excellency the President to serve as a national committee and to monitor the overall planning and implementation of the Southern Cultural Triangle Programme. It consists of a high powered team of members representing a number of public and private sector institutions and members to represent the offices of the President, Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance.

The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage is the lead Ministry to coordinate the implementation of this overall development plan.