Nov 21, Colombo: Sri Lankan government plans to illuminate the world famous Sigiriya Rock fortress during the night hours and to put up a light show initially on Fridays and Saturdays in an effort to attract more tourists to the site.

The Cabinet of Sri Lanka yesterday approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to initiate the project.

The government plans to obtain foreign funds for the project through the Department of External Resources after obtaining necessary approval from the relevant institutions.

Sigiriya, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the Cultural Triangle is the highest income earning site.

The government says although a large number of tourists visit Sigiriya during the day only a few spend the night in the area as there are no other attractions during the evening hours.