Agritourism is increasingly recognized as an important strategy that can contribute to agricultural development through diversification of farming activities and providing opportunities to rest, relax, enjoy and study about farming for the visitors. At present, agritourism is promoted by most of the countries in the world aiming at sustainable rural development. Since Sri Lanka is an agricultural country, it is the time to analyze the potential of this strategy under local conditions. Thus the main aim of this research is to study the possibility of application of agritourism in Sri Lankan context. The study was conducted in five districts of the central part of the country using a field survey and some group discussions with farmers and respective state officials of these districts. Results revealed that there are several possibilities for the establishment of agritourism in the country. However, there are few problems militate against the success of the agritourism development. Provision of solutions for these main problems related to; infrastructure development, relevant training and education for the farmers, access to farm credit, proper measures to waste management as well as suitable environment protection methods in those areas will enhance the benefits of agritourism as a sustainable rural development strategy.

A study was conducted to assess the factors affecting the establishment of spice tourism in spice gardens in Sri Lanka, based on farmers' perception including their willingness to start agro-tourism destinations. A sample of 60spice-growing farmers was randomly selected for the study from among those who have registered under the Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) in the Kolonna District Secretariat (DS) division in the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka. A field survey was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data collection was conducted during from January to April 2014. Descriptive statistics and Chi Square test were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that the majority of the spicegrowing farmers were males and above 50 years old. They had education up to G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L), more than five members in a family, and long term experience in farming. The main reasons for farmers to start spice tourism destinations were better usage of the farm's resources, employment opportunities for the family members, support from other existing tourist location and the interest or being a hobby. Furthermore, middle-age farmers having a significant level of education, large size of farm, higher annual income of the family, high profit from farm, large family size and long term experiences had associations with willingness to start spice tourism destinations. The study concluded that there is a significant number of positive factors for farmers to establish spice tourism in the Kolonna DS division. The government of Sri Lanka could assist this endeavor by giving education and training, improving infrastructure facilities and also motivating and assisting farmers to establish spice tourism destinations in the Kolonna DS division as an extra income generating activity.

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The aim of this paper is to evaluate visitor satisfaction in agritourism and to understand the implications for agritourism farmers in Sri Lanka. This has been done following the Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory. There are 21 attributes under five different aspects selected for the satisfaction measurement. This study also provides a comparative picture of local and foreign visitors. The study has been conducted on three randomly selected agritourism destinations. Results reveal that out of 21 attributes, nine attributes emerge at the satisfied level, and there were ten indifferences and two dissatisfied. Further, the overall satisfaction levels of both groups of visitors were at moderate levels and comparatively a higher level of satisfaction of local visitors can be observed over foreign visitors. Although the possibility of revisiting the destinations is low, recommending the destinations to others was high for both groups. However, both groups emphasized the necessity of improving appropriate educational programs, entertainment activities, variation of farm products with processing, availability of direct sales to visitors, increasing the efficiency of staff members, upgrading the hygiene and sanitation situation, and improving the road conditions leading to the destinations in order to enhance the satisfaction of visitors. The findings of this research may be useful in developing policy and undertaking promotional measures for intensifying agritourism sector, as this sector has a place within the current focus of rural development in Sri Lanka.