Sri Lanka, March 12 -- Sri Lanka for the first time will certify four coastal areas as Blue Flag beaches before year end to further boost tourism, authorities said.

Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. It is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, a safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.

A spokesperson for the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) stated that the Galle Unawatuna, Arugambay, Pasikuda and Bentota beaches will become internationally accredited Blue Flag beaches.

The MEPA is currently completing the activities related to the establishment of Blue Flag beaches in Sri Lanka, ...