An operator of hotels for the super rich is reported to be preparing to invest $20m (�13m) in resorts in southern Sri Lanka as the prospects for peace improve.

Aman Resorts International scouted locations in Sri Lankan sites earlier this year and recently bought the rundown New Oriental Hotel in Galle.

It augurs well for the country and the investor confidence placed in Sri Lanka

Paddy Vithana Sri Lankan Tourist Board

"Aman Resorts Chairman Adrian Zecha has selected two sites in Tangalle and Galle and has expressed interest in investing in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya," Sri Lankan Tourist Board Chairman Paddy Vithana was quoted as saying by the local Daily News.

A peace deal between the government and the Tamil Tigers in the north of the country has resulted in Sri Lanka's tourism industry slowly recovering from almost two decades of civil war.

Peace prospects

"The request by Aman Resorts is undoubtedly one of the biggest investments in this sector since the peace initiative of 2001," Mr Vithana said.

"It augurs well for the country and the investor confidence placed in Sri Lanka," he added.

Mr Vithana also indicated other tourism-based investors were showing interest in Sri Lanka.

The country has beautiful jungle landscapes, tropical weather, sandy beaches, a rich history and rock-bottom land prices.

The Aman group operates a chain of "exclusive" luxury hotels in France, French Polynesia, Morocco, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, the US, and Mexico.