Abstract:
1. Introduction
Sri Lanka's tourism industry is expanding, attracting tourists to foreign
cultures. Unlike countries like China, Japan, and Korea, Sri Lanka has not
yet developed martial arts tourism. This research explores Ritigala
Vishuddhi Haramba, a traditional martial arts organization, and explores
the objectives of the potential of tourism and its cultural and ethical
limitations.
2. Research Methodology
The qualitative research technique was utilized, and the procedure of a
case study was designed via semi-structured interviews and telephone
conversations for data collection. The population comprised local and
foreign tourists who traveled to the Ritigala area. Based on saturation,
seventeen tourists were selected, along with two Vishuddhi gurus, two
transport agents, and a government agent, using snowball and convenience
sampling methods and analyzed using Thematic analysis.
3. Findings and Discussion
The analysis considered and discussed the cultural and spiritual
significance, tourism development potential, preservation, impacts, and
ethical and cultural limitations. Several factors, including historical
significance, distinctive combat abilities like Gata, Pora, Nila, Jōythishya,
Wedakama, spirituality, wellness, unique costumes, and rich, authentic
culinary traditions, have been identified as potential avenues for
establishing tourism-related businesses.
4. Conclusion and Implications
Ritigala Vishuddhi Haramba is an ancient technique that can establish a
fresh trajectory in the tourism industry, according to the insights that have
been uncovered. The findings recognized the theoretical implications of
experimental theory, and practical implications for the industry and
stakeholders were identified.
