Exploring the potential for community-based tourism in Panduwasnuwara, Sri Lanka: A preliminary assessment

Abstract

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) offers a sustainable development pathway by empowering local communities to manage tourism activities that generate income, create employment, conserve the environment, and promote cultural exchange. This study investigates the potential for CBT to enhance sustainable livelihoods in the Panduwasnuwara divisional secretariat division, a valuable heritage site in Sri Lanka that hasn’t been fully explored for CBT. The research employed remote sensing and GPS-based field s analysis to identify distribution pattern of main resources, including land cover and tank system. Traditional livelihoods and cultural practices were documented through field observations and informal interviews with 75 households selected using random sampling. A SWOT analysis further evaluated the viability of CBT initiatives in the region. Results show that panduwasnuwara’s natural beauty, heritage, and hospitality offer strong CBT potential, despite gaps in transport and facilities. Unexplored history and eco-tourism present development opportunities, though climate variability and local resistance pose challenges. Coconut plantations (55%) and paddy cultivation (18%) dominate the land use, with 9% comprising irrigation tanks and surface water bodies critical to agriculture based on GPS survey. The region features dispersed cultural, religious, industrial, and natural tourism attractions. Despite the uneven distribution of tourism infrastructure, the study identifies strong potential for CBT development, supported by the presence of a wide range of traditional industries as a percentage wise pottery (36%), handicraft (21%), handloom weaving (14%), traditional cuisine (13%), wood carving and temple artistry (12.5%) and others (3.5%). The study concludes that community engagement, supported by targeted development strategies such as the formation of community-based cooperatives, microfinance support for local entrepreneurs, and low-cost technology training is essential for realizing a sustainable CBT model, especially considering the limitations in funding and technological access.