Sri Lanka, April 22 -- The Sri Lankan government has approved a plan to introduce boat services along the country's coast and inland waterways to promote tourism and urban transport.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Nalinda Jayatissa, announced the Cabinet decision today, highlighting the country's natural water resources as a key opportunity for development.

The proposed routes include Puttalam to Fort, Fort to Galle, and Galle to Matara, along with inland services on Hamilton Canal, Beira Lake, Diyawanna Oya, and Madu River. These services aim to ease road congestion and attract tourists by offering alternative, scenic travel options.

As per the proposal tabled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, a f...