Eco Team Group, pioneers of canoeing and kayaking in Samanalawewa and a leading name in sustainable and experiential tourism for over 25 years, has welcomed the recent court ruling that reinforces the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency for all tourism operators.
The decision marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, safeguarding equitable access to public natural resources while setting a vital precedent for the industry.
For decades, Eco Team Group has championed community-driven, nature-based tourism across the island. In Samanalawewa, the company has worked closely with local communities, employing more than 32 individuals from the Imbulpe and Balangoda electorates through its three establishments in Belihuloya. This long-standing collaboration has not only created livelihoods but also strengthened the local economy and social fabric of the region.
In recent years, however, access to Samanalawewa for tourism activities has become increasingly restricted under an arrangement that lacks transparency and inclusivity. This situation hindered Eco Team Group and several other regional tourism operators and hoteliers from conducting fair and lawful operations on the lake. Despite repeated appeals for a resolution at the regional level, no satisfactory outcome was achieved.
In pursuit of fairness and accountability, Eco Team Group sought justice before the Court of Appeal. In its interim order, the court directed that parties seeking to restrict access to Samanalawewa refrain from any such interference. The order affirms that Samanalawewa is public property, recognizes Eco Team Group’s right to operate independently under the oversight of relevant state authorities, and instructs the creation of a transparent and lawful mechanism for managing access and associated charges.
An Eco Team Group spokesperson noted, “This ruling is of national importance, as it reinforces that Sri Lanka’s natural and tourism resources belong to the public and must remain accessible under the country’s legal framework. It underscores the importance of fairness, professionalism, and good governance in ensuring that community involvement empowers rather than excludes.”
Eco Team Group has long been a vocal advocate for sustainable tourism and equitable community participation. The company firmly believes that while local communities must be the primary beneficiaries of tourism initiatives, no single individual or group should monopolize or restrict access to shared natural resources. This philosophy has guided the company across multiple regions, including previous instances in Wilpattu, where it worked with stakeholders to ensure fairness and adherence to the law.
The recent court order, therefore, represents more than a victory for Eco Team Group; it stands as a triumph for the entire tourism industry and for Sri Lanka’s reputation as a fair, inclusive, and welcoming destination. It also serves as a timely reminder that integrity, legality, and collaboration must remain at the heart of tourism development.
Eco Team Group reiterated its commitment to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders, from local communities and hoteliers to regulatory bodies, to ensure that tourism continues to deliver sustainable benefits while upholding transparency and fairness for all.
Eco Team Group was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Shantha Jayawardena and Tharaka Nanayakkara.
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