A discussion on developing Colombo’s historic Fort area as an attractive tourist destination was held this afternoon (19) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The project, which is being implemented jointly by the Western Provincial Council, the Urban Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council with funding and assistance from the World Bank, aims to develop the Colombo Fort area as an internationally recognised tourist destination.
Accordingly, plans are in place to develop the area while preserving its historically significant sites and buildings, while also implementing a systematic traffic management plan. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to the national economy by establishing links with Colombo Port City and cruise ships arriving at the Port of Colombo.
The meeting also reviewed the preliminary studies being undertaken for the implementation of the project. It was noted that a comprehensive traffic study is currently being conducted to identify measures to reduce traffic congestion in the area.
The President instructed officials to prepare an overall plan for the project and to hold further discussions on it jointly with the Road Development Authority and the Municipal Council. The President also emphasised the importance of giving priority to the development of waterways in the area when implementing 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, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority M.G. Hemachandra, Chief Secretary of the Western Province Pradeep Pushpakumara and Government officials and heads of the security forces were also present.
