ECONOMYNEXT – Around 100 companies are now interested in the Port City, Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said at the opening of “The Mall,” a newly constructed duty-free shopping complex in the Colombo Port City.
“The development of shopping malls in the Port City is a key part of our strategy to enhance the region’s appeal and provide goods for tourists. This represents the beginning of a new era for the Port City,” Wickremesinghe said.
“Approximately 100 companies are currently directing their attention towards the Port City. Of these, 74 companies are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by the end of this year.”
Wickremesinghe added that a new tourist zone will be established in Colombo Fort, which is expected to increase the number of visitors to these areas.
Sri Lanka is in the process of relocating several administrative buildings from its financial capital Colombo including its police headquarters and the Foreign Ministry, in a bid to make the city a trourist attraction.
“Plans are underway to renovate the Republic Square and construct new buildings in its centre, aiming to develop the area into a tourist zone.
“The old post office building will also be utilized to advance the tourism industry. The old port and its jetty, as well as the old customs building, will be repurposed for tourism.”
The naval headquarters has been relocated to Akuregoda, “creating opportunities for new hotel developments in that area.”
“The current President’ House will also be leveraged to expand the tourism sector, with plans to create a robust tourism industry there.”
The president said it was essential to attract a larger number of tourists and increase the revenue generated from them, to develop the country.
“We should take pride in being able to initiate such a shopping complex within two years. Three renowned global companies have already established themselves within a 7,000-square-meter area, with more expected to arrive.
“We are committed to securing the country’s economic stability and advancing the Port City to become a globally recognized centre.” (Colombo/Sep6/2024)