The reports highlight ways that the government action can strengthen private sector activity.

The Cultural Triangle in the North Central Province shows great potential to grow and benefit from the expected resurgence in the tourism sector, it stated.

USAID also said that the tourism industry has set a target of 2 million tourist arrivals by 2016, requiring the development of at least 15,000 new hotel rooms and major investment in large-scale resorts at new locations.

Sri Lanka is known the world over for its tea and spices, but has been less successful exporting fresh produce. The growing demands from nearby markets makes Sri Lanka the preferred source for tropical fruits and other fresh produce, it further stated.
The USAID supported study in this sector shows that the Eastern Province has the opportunity to re-engage in crops like cashew for the domestic and export market.

In the Fisheries sector, the study shows that less than 7% of the present fish catch in Sri Lanka is exported. Using new technologies, there is tremendous opportunity for the marine fisheries sector to fish along the coastal and continental shelf, which extends 200 miles off the coast. This sector needs significant capital investment to ensure that the current opportunities can be tapped and niche export markets are developed.

The Eastern Province also has significant access to fresh, brackish, and saltwater required for aquaculture and inland fisheries sector development, with a huge potential for generating new income and employment opportunities. For example, tilapia, sea bass, sea cucumber, and seaweed are new aquaculture sectors that could be niche products in the global market.

In the Logistics sector the USAID supported study shows that the movement and storage of goods and passenger transportation is critical for the East to re-engage in mainstream economic activity. Establishing and expanding transportation within the region, creating warehouses, and identifying collection centers, will support the resurgence expected in the other sectors.

The dairy sector assessment shows that the Eastern Province has the largest herds of animals in Sri Lanka, but milk production has been limited and unproductive because of the prolonged conflict. With good nutrition, housing, breeding, and intensive management practices, dairy sector productivity can be increased significantly and the right policy environment will be a key factor to the overall development of this sector.

The recommendations of the six sector assessments were released by USAID to key stakeholders in the government, private sector, and other industries.

The full reports and summaries of the six assessments will soon be available on the USAID/CORE website www.core.lk/downloads.