Abstract:
Its mandate to consider the post war reconciliation and development of the people where
the war was took place, by using the sustainable manner. As Sri Lanka had experienced to
increase GDP by poor tourism during the past three decade war we have the potentials to
reach the millennium goals in all aspects including the tourism industry. Since end of the
civil war of Sri Lanka the movements of both international and domestic visitors are
increased based on few purposes. The tourism is played a significant role in the region.
The result of increased arrivals of Diaspora, Domestic and international to the region, Sri
Lankan economy and GDP too increased, though the northern part is not in adequate
level. Therefore this research focused on potentials and pitfalls for post war tourism
development in Mullaitivu district of the Northern Province. The sequential mixed
method (qualitative & quantitative) was adopted to carry out this study therefore data
gathering was conducted with five likers scale questionnaire with 50 international tourists
those who have been in Mullaithevu, structured interviews with10 stakeholders from the
research area for primary data and data analysis is used by descriptive and thematic
analysis. The finding of this study highlighted with fallowing aspect on tourism; present
situation of tourism in Mullaitivu, identify both potentials and pitfalls for post war
tourism development in the district. Based on the above finding this study depicts exact
scenario of tourism development in Mullaitivu and how efficiently use the potentials and
to overcome barriers for tourism development offered. Furthermore research says about
the potential and considers the barriers that need to be decline. This research has positive
destination attributes which needs to develop further and stakeholder participation needs
to accelerate to develop tourism industry in Mullaitivu district. The research also refers
about the current reflection of the people on tourism and their involvement in to the
industry.
Keywords: Tourism, Potentials, pitfalls, War, Region and development
