Temple City project around Gangaramaya fast-tracked to boost Colombo tourism

Thursday, 2 July 2026 04:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government has stepped up plans to develop the area surrounding the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple and Beira Lake into a major tourism and cultural precinct under the proposed “Temple City” project, according to the President’s Office.

The initiative was reviewed at a high-level discussion chaired by Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday, where officials discussed implementation plans and measures to expedite the project.

According to the President’s Office, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), under the guidance of the Gangaramaya Temple, has proposed the project to transform the area surrounding one of Colombo’s best-known religious and cultural landmarks into an international tourism destination.

The development plan includes the construction of a pedestrian walkway around Beira Lake to improve accessibility for local and foreign visitors, together with landscaping, environmental beautification and the enhancement of tourism-related infrastructure.

The President’s Office said discussions focused on the project’s implementation roadmap and the next stages of development, with particular attention given to inter-agency coordination.

Dr. Kumanayake stressed the need for stronger collaboration among Government institutions and the support of all stakeholders to ensure the project is implemented expeditiously.

The President’s Office said the project is expected to transform the Beira Lake and Gangaramaya precinct into an internationally recognised tourism and cultural hub, while strengthening Colombo’s appeal as a destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Among those attending the meeting were Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Urban Development Authority Chairman M.G. Hemachandra, Colombo Deputy Mayor Hemantha Kumara, representatives of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and other Government institutions, as well as senior security forces officials.