The Department of Social Sciences of the Faculty of Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University completed its Annual Case Study Tour (2023) of intake 39 to Dambulla-Sigiriya region of Matale District from September 21st to September 23rd, 2023. This three (03) day tour was organized with the objective of examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis on small-scale tourism businesses in the Sigiriya area.
Day One: Navigating Dambulla
On the first day, students visited Dambulla’s Divisional Secretariat office. The Assistant Director (Planning) – Mrs. K.M.P.M. Kumarasinghe conducted an informative session, covering demographical and geographical topology, places of tourist attraction, and current status of the tourism industry in Dambulla area. Further, the presentation included statistics about tourism employees and industry challenges. The session was further enriched by Mr. Thusitha Weerasinghe – Grama Seva Niladari-Egodawewa and Mr. Amila Ekanayaka-Grama Seva Niladari-Thalkote with their discussion of current efforts that are underway to introduce new facilities and events to attract more tourists to Dambulla.
In the afternoon, the students explored the bustling Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center, witnessing firsthand the vibrant wholesale marketing of fruits and vegetables. In the evening, preparation for research data collection took place at the Infantry Training Centre (Sri Lanka Army)-Minneriya.
Day Two: Researching into tourism industry in Sigiriya area
The second day of the study tour was devoted to data collection according to identified five key areas to examine the current status of tourism industry in Sigiriya and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis on small-scale tourism businesses in the Sigiriya area.
Students were able to conduct detailed interviews with small-scale tourism business owners. They observed home stay accommodations, how tour guides directed foreign tourists, discussed current status of Small and Medium scale retail shops located in local and foreign tourists car parks in Sigiriya, witnessed how foreign tourists are engaging in handcraft activities (E.g: wood carving) and challenging situation of Yoga, Ayurwedic treatment and Meditation sector. In the evening, the students ascended the iconic Sigiriya rock – a testament to the rich history and breathtaking beauty of the region.
Day Three: Spreading Happiness at Thalkote Primary School
The final day was dedicated for the charity service project to provide 55 primary school students studying at Thalkote Primary School, Sigiriaya, Dambulla with school stationery and school equipment.
The Principal of Thalkote Primary School, Sigiriaya, Dambulla delivered the welcome speech mentioning the school was established in 1933 and revealed a few success stories of students. Dr. Tamara Jayasundera emphasized the significance of the charity service project in her speech. The program was lightened up by a variety of amazing performances by school students, leaving everyone awestruck by their budding abilities. KDU students further entertained them with group songs, and Ms. Manuri Pabasari delivered a motivational speech to parents and grade five students emphasizing the importance of education. Students in Thalkote Primary School had a great time with our students by playing and doing many activities. Each student in Thalkote Primary School received a stationary pack and refreshment. Furthermore, students donated books to the school library and school equipment. It was a day filled with emotions, shared happiness, an amalgamation of pure joy, encouragement, and a deep sense of community.
The academic staff of the Department of Social Sciences, including the Head of the Department, Dr. Tamara Jayasundera, and Senior Lecturer, Dr. Hemanatha Premarathna, along with two military officers from Sri Lanka Air Force and non-academic staff members, took part in the study tour.
The Department of Social Sciences extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Divisional Secretary in Dambulla- Mr. Piyal Jayasuriya and his staff, Grama Niladhari of Egodawewa Grama Niladhari Division-Mr. Thusitha Weerasinghe, Grama Niladhari of Thalkote Grama Niladhari Division-Mr. Amila Ekanayaka, Economic Development Officer of Dambulla-Mr. Damith Premarathna and Economic Development Officer of Dambulla-Mr. Rathnayaka and the entire team for their dedicated effort in facilitating and guiding to make the Case Study Tour a success.
We are immensely grateful to Grama Niladhari of Egodawewa Grama Niladhari Division-Mr. Thusitha Weerasinghe, Grama Niladhari of Thalkote Grama Niladhari Division-Mr. Amila Ekanayaka, and Economic Development Officer of Dambulla-Mr. Damith Premarathna. Their dedication and tireless efforts in dedicating their day-to-day official commitments towards this endeavor have been instrumental.
We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Commandant and his regiment at the Infantry Training Centre (Sri Lanka Army) in Minneriya for their warm hospitality.
