Port City Colombo yesterday announced the completion of the first phase of its infrastructure development, a key milestone in Sri Lanka’s most ambitious urban development project to date.
The first phase includes critical linkages connecting the reclaimed land to the Colombo Municipal Council’s electricity and water supply systems as well as the city’s wastewater drainage network.
“This milestone marks an essential step in the progress of Port City Colombo and ushers in the next stage of development and future investments,” said Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera.
The commission serves as both the regulatory authority and single-window investment facilitator for the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Amarasekera asserted that the completion of the first phase comes at a time when Sri Lanka is regaining investor confidence, following the government’s reform drive under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
“This year has been a year of significant progress for Sri Lanka, as the government, under the IMF programme, has taken measures to strengthen policies that protect investments and has brought in reforms that enhance transparency, accountability and the rule of law, to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic expansion,” he said.
The first phase of the project, spanning infrastructure connectivity, utility integration and essential service readiness, sets the foundation for the next stage of construction and investment mobilisation. The focus now shifts towards attracting anchor investors for commercial, residential and lifestyle developments within the SEZ.
“Port City Colombo is one of the largest investment projects in Sri Lanka, mainly because it created a new physical structure that was not on the map before,” said Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma.
He acknowledged that while the completion of Phase 1 took longer than expected, it marks a defining opportunity for Sri Lanka to demonstrate its potential as a destination for “better foreign investments, business, trade, tourism and lifestyle”.
“We need to continue to work with the utility providers to complete the internal infrastructure of this project and ensure its success,” he added, stressing the importance of continued collaboration between the government and private stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Port City Colombo Project Management Unit Project Director retired Major General Udaya Nanayakkara noted the urban design concept focuses on sustainability and livability. He noted that the project aims to create a “walkable city”, with reduced traffic emissions, a clear road hierarchy and an underground system for utilities, elements designed to enhance environmental quality and efficiency.
The 12-kilometre internal road network within Port City Colombo will seamlessly connect the city’s northern and southern ends, improving mobility and accessibility while positioning the project as a central hub for South Asia.
The 12-kilometre road network within the Port City would also connect Colombo North and Colombo South effortlessly, while being a central hub for the South Asian region.
(Source - Dailymirror)
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