Gangaramaya Temple City taking shape to be world-class tourist and cultural hub

• Rs. 600 m initiative part of Colombo City Tourism Attraction Enhancement Program being implemented in collaboration with Western Province Governor, UDA, and Gangaramaya Temple/Sri Jinarathana Adyapana Ayathana Palaka Sabhawa
• 550-seat performance hall, heritage galleries, exhibition spaces, and outdoor recreational areas designed to host cultural performances, educational workshops, and community events

Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent  Most Venerable  Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof

Tourism and Cultural Task Force Chairman and Beira Lake Development Task Force Committee and Temple City Project Committee Member  Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi

Steeped in history, spirituality, and culture, the Gangaramaya Temple has long been a cornerstone of Colombo’s religious and cultural identity. Now, with the ambitious Temple City Project, this historic precinct is set to be transformed into a world-class tourist and cultural landmark, redefining Colombo’s position on the global tourism map.

Located in Hunupitiya, Colombo 2, the Gangaramaya Temple precinct is more than a sacred site—it is a living museum of Sri Lanka’s heritage. Established by the great scholar monk Most Venerable Dr. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero, the temple is a repository of spiritual treasures, including the Sacred Relics of Sri Sarvajna Kesha Dhatu, an ancient Ola leaf manuscript library, and a museum of rare antiques and vintage vehicles. Its architectural masterpiece, the Seema Malakaya, designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, stands as a symbol of harmony between tradition and modernity.

The Gangaramaya Temple is also internationally renowned as the first place in the world to raise the Buddhist Flag, highlighting its historical significance for Buddhists worldwide. Its cultural vitality is showcased every year through the Navam Perahera, one of Colombo’s most spectacular cultural events. Drawing participants from Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, the festival celebrates the island’s diversity, while recent years have seen international troupes join, turning it into a truly global cultural festival.

Recognised by TripAdvisor as Colombo’s number one tourist destination, the Gangaramaya Temple already draws thousands of visitors annually. Yet, the Temple City Project aims to elevate this historic precinct into a globally iconic tourism and cultural hub.

The initiative, part of the Colombo City Tourism Attraction Enhancement Program, is being implemented in collaboration with Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), and the Gangaramaya Temple /Sri Jinarathana Adyapana Ayathana Palaka Sabhawa. Started in late 2025, the project is expected to be completed by 2027 with an estimated investment of Rs. 600 million.

Key features include:

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• Kaladupatha Cultural Events Centre: A 550-seat performance hall, heritage galleries, exhibition spaces, and outdoor recreational areas designed to host cultural performances, educational workshops, and community events.

• Eco-friendly infrastructure: Solar energy, rainwater harvesting, native landscaping, and energy-efficient lighting systems will ensure the development is environmentally sustainable.

• Beira Lake Pedestrian and Jogging Track: A scenic, continuous path connecting key cultural and religious landmarks, culminating in a viewing deck for wellness, leisure, and cultural engagement.

• Enhanced public spaces: Landscaped gardens, shaded seating areas, and family-friendly zones to create an inclusive and vibrant environment.

The Temple City Project is envisioned as a convergence of heritage, art, spirituality, and modern urban living, offering an unforgettable experience for both local residents and international visitors. By integrating culture, leisure, and ecological consciousness, it seeks to establish Colombo as a vibrant, sustainable, and culturally rich city.

The landmark initiative is spearheaded with the leadership of Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji, who is also Chief Monk – Western Province Siam Chapter and Sri Jinarathana Bhikkhu Education Council and Jinarathana Vocational University Chancellor, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, and Tourism and Cultural Task Force Chairman and Beira Lake Development Task Force Committee and Temple City Project Committee Member Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi.

“This initiative represents a unique opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s heritage to the world,” said representatives from the Gangaramaya Temple and UDA. “The Temple City will not only preserve and celebrate our cultural and religious legacy but will also create a landmark of global significance for future generations.”

With this visionary development, the Gangaramaya Temple and Beira Lake are poised to become a beacon of culture, harmony, and tourism excellence, placing Colombo firmly on the world map as a city where history, tradition, and modernity come together in breathtaking harmony.