Cabinet approval has been granted to convert the Mirissa marine zone into a Blue Flag Coastal Zone and a marine wildlife sanctuary conforming to international standards.

In the meeting held in May 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers discussed the proposal regarding the declaration of the Mirissa Marine Zone as a wildlife sanctuary. 

A ministerial sub-committee headed by the Prime Minister was appointed to further study the proposal with the participation of all relevant parties and submit recommendations to the Cabinet. 

The sub-committee has made recommendations aimed at increasing the tourism economy of the southern province by five times by turning the Mirissa maritime zone into a Blue Flag Coastal Zone and a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary conforming to international standards. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister to implement those recommendations through relevant ministries and institutions.