Colombo Fort Set for Transformation into an International Tourist Destination

Colombo’s historic Fort area is set to undergo a major development aimed at transforming it into an attractive, internationally recognised tourist destination while preserving its rich heritage.

A discussion on the proposed project was held on August 19 at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The initiative is being jointly implemented by the Western Provincial Council, the Urban Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council, with funding and assistance from the World Bank.

Plans include the development of the Fort area while protecting its historically significant buildings and sites, alongside the introduction of a systematic traffic management system. The project is also expected to strengthen links between the historic district, Colombo Port City and cruise ships arriving at the Port of Colombo, contributing to the national economy.

The meeting reviewed preliminary studies currently being carried out for the project. Officials noted that a comprehensive traffic study is underway to identify measures to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in the area.

President Dissanayake instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive overall plan for the development and to conduct further discussions with the Road Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council.

He also stressed the importance of prioritising the development of waterways as part of the overall project.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Economic Adviser to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and senior government officials were among those present at the meeting.