The Cabinet of Ministers discussed a proposal to designate the Mirissa Marine Zone as a wildlife sanctuary, aiming to protect its rich biodiversity. Subsequently, a ministerial sub-committee, led by the Prime Minister, was formed to study the proposal’s implications and benefits.

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the sub-committee has proposed recommendations focused on boosting the tourism economy of the Southern Province by five folds through the designation of the Mirissa maritime zone as a Blue Flag Coastal Zone and a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary.

When asked if the move would have any adverse impacts by zoning it a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Gunawardena said, these were mere recommendations by the ministerial sub-committee and further details would be provided later