• Course :                            PNCH 32013 Rural Planning
• Objective :                        To study and enhance the knowledge on Rural Tourism
• Area of the field study : Hiriwadunna Village, Habarana, Palugaswewa
• Date of field study :        03^rd and 4^th October 2025 (Friday, Saturday)
• Participants :                   Level III students – Community & Regional Planning
• Field study support :      Divisional Secretariat, Palugaswewa, Anuradhapura District.

Dr. A. Antonyrajan

Mr. T. Yasotharan (Lab-attendant, Geography Department)

Miss. Sudeshini (Temporary assistant lecturer)

Palugaswewa Divisional Secretariat Ground Supporting Team

• R.G.S.C.K. Sujeewa Wijeratne (Divisional Secretary)
• Mala Kumarihami Saluwadana (Deputy Director of Planning)
• I.G. Dharmarathne (Social Services Officer)
• Mahinda Wanasinghe (GS Admin)
• M.M.R.V.M. Cooray (GS, Habarana Division)
• D.D.B. Rajapaksha (GS, Hiriwadunne Division)
• P.R. Samarasingha (Development Officer)
• Rasika Kumari Premasekara (Development Officer)
• Nisansala Samanmali Subasingha (Development Officer)

The above ground supporting team provided free food, free accommodation (with the support of Ritigala Information and Research Centre), free accessibilities of tourist points and ground assistance at the field study.

Field Study Programme:

• Presentation on Rural Tourism:

A welcoming speech was given by the Divisional Secretary Mr. K. Sujeewa, followed by a presentation on Rural Tourism development of Palugaswewa divisional secretariat area delivered by Social Services Officer Mr. I.G. Dharmarathne. The presentation covered mainly the importance of tourism in Palugaswewa DS division, implemented projects to restore the tourism industry in Hiriwadunna and Habarana GN divisions and the benefits of these projects. It was very informative, well-structured and engaging presentation specially students cleared their doubts and gained many information at the Q and A session.

• Field study – Saubagya Production Village, Hiriwadunna GN division:

Tourism industry of this area was severely affected during the past Covid 19 pandemic and economic crisis of the country, but in 2021 a project called Helabime Mathakayan Gena Yanna Duru Yatata was implemented to restore the tourism industry in this village covering various renovation and rebuilding activities. Hence, we chose this village as our study area and students gathered information and learned about rural tourism through direct discussions, observations and engaging activities with the help of officers of the Palugaswewa Divisional Secretariat.

Activities covered and Benefits:

a) Bullock Cart Safari.

• • Gained firsthand experience of traditional rural transportation
  • Developed appreciation for eco-friendly and sustainable modes of travel
  • Understood how such activities attract tourists seeking authentic rural experiences

b) Village House visiting: Discussion with village house owners, enjoying village food and interaction with tourists.

• • Learned directly from local entrepreneurs about challenges and opportunities in rural tourism
  • Understood community participation and how tourism supports local livelihood
  • Improved communication and interpersonal skills through real-world engagement
  • Experienced traditional cuisine and its cultural significance.
  • Recognizing the role of local food in promoting culinary tourism
  • Encouraged respect and appreciation for regional traditional and lifestyle

c)Hiriwadunna Lake Boat Safari.

• • Observed natural beauty and biodiversity, promoting environmental awareness.
  • Understood how natural attractions contribute to rural tourism development
  • Encouraged eco-conscious attitudes and responsible tourism behaviour

d)Cross village walking– Interactions with village people and observing tourism potentials.

• • Provided closer observation of rural landscapes, farming practices, and local life
  • Encouraged appreciation for simple, sustainable living.

• Visiting Welcome Centre, Community-Based Tourism, Habarana Lake:

This centre was established in 2021 with the support of Republic of Korea government for promoting sustainable tourism and empowering local communities. Students and the local community members who are involved with the activities of this centre had an interaction meeting and discussed various activities relating to tourism and the support mechanism by the Divisional Secretariat, Palugaswewa. Students learned how local community could be involved in various tourism related activities with the support of government and private sectors.

• Cultural Show, Habarana Cultural Centre:

Students have got an excellent opportunity to attend this centre where one-hour cultural performance is organized daily. The show features various cultural performances and serves as a tourist attraction for visitors to the area. Students watched dance performances fully and got an excellent opportunity to interact with dance performers and performing several dance steps with them at the end of the show with the help of DS office staff.

Benefits of the visit:

• • Understand how cultural performances play a vital role in promoting rural tourism by showcasing the rich traditions, arts, and lifestyles of local communities.
  • Understand and appreciate the country’s diverse traditions, including music, dance, and folk art.
  • By developing cultural centres, it helps tourists appreciate rural heritage and explore regional traditions and heritage.
  • Learned how such performances create income opportunities for artists, craftsmen, and performers, helping to improve their livelihoods.
  • Raise awareness about the importance of preserving local culture, which becomes a unique attraction for sustainable rural tourism.
  • These shows act as a bridge between urban visitors and rural communities, promoting understanding, respect, and economic growth through cultural exchange.

Overall benefits of the field study

• • Enhanced practical understanding of rural tourism concepts.
  • Developed awareness of cultural heritage, traditions, and sustainability.
  • Strengthened teamwork, observation, and analytical skills.
  • Inspired new ideas for promoting rural tourism responsibly.

Note: The Department of Geography, University of Jaffna would like to express our sincere gratitude to Palugaswewa Divisional Secretariat office (DS and the staff members) for their generous support and hospitality during our field visit.