Sri Lanka’s first virtual city pilot project in Kandy gets Cabinet nod

Wednesday, 6 August 2025 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In first phase SLT will develop virtual representations of 58 tourist attractions and locations with strong tourism potential
Second phase will concentrate on Temple of the Tooth Relic and 20 additional historical sites
SLT to use advanced technology to enhance accessibility and engagement for in-person and remote visitors

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday gave the green light for Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to commence production of the country’s first Virtual City Project, with the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy selected as the pilot location. The project will be funded using allocations initially earmarked for the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic will serve as the showcase for the digital tourism concept, which aims to create an immersive, technology-driven experience of key attractions.

He said the initiative offers a new dimension to Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion strategy.

“In the first stage, SLT will develop virtual representations of 58 priority sites in and around Kandy town, focusing on existing tourist attractions and locations with strong tourism potential. The second stage will concentrate on the Temple of the Tooth Relic and 20 additional historically significant sites, using advanced digital technology to enhance accessibility and engagement for both in-person and remote visitors,” he added.

According to the Digital Economy Ministry, SLT was recommended for the project following an evaluation of its technical expertise, prior productions, and capacity to deliver large-scale digital content. The proposal to this effect submitted by Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.