Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday, 23 January 2026 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Colombo Municipal Council this week hosted a high-energy meeting attended by the Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof; Colombo Mayoress Vraie Balthazaar; Serendib Multisport Director and IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo Race Director Rajan Thananayagam, Serendib Multisport Director and IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo Bike and Run Course Director Yasas Hewage; along with industry leaders from the hospitality, travel, and media sectors.
Anchored by IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo, taking place from 19 to 22 February 2026, the meeting focused on positioning the event as a city-wide activation platform that showcases Colombo’s streets, parks, and waterfronts to an international audience. It also aimed to strengthen collaboration across the public and private sectors while co-creating creative and authentic experiences.
With 1,000 athletes and supporters from 45 countries expected, 70% of them first-time visitors, the initiative underscores Colombo’s readiness to host world-class events that deliver economic, social, and civic impact.
#ActiveColombo goes beyond the event itself. It supports a long-term vision for a healthier, greener, and more walkable city by promoting outdoor lifestyles, safe and inclusive streets, and permanent urban improvements such as shaded corridors and active public spaces.
Initiatives such as roadside tree planting and corridor greening recognise that “shade is infrastructure” a core element of urban design that improves comfort, reduces heat stress, and enhances air quality, while also delivering measurable economic value to the city. Shaded, walkable streets increase pedestrian footfall, extend dwell time, and strengthen engagement with local businesses, directly supporting SMEs, retail, and tourism activity.
A continuous tree canopy along key corridors enhances the overall city experience for residents and visitors, making Colombo more attractive for longer stays, repeat visits, and future investment.
Public-private collaboration and civic participation are central to delivering this legacy, ensuring that investments made around IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo endure well beyond event week. Through leadership, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement, Colombo is not just hosting an international endurance event; it is building a cooler, healthier city that moves, thrives, and breathes, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban transformation in South Asia.
IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo is presented by Serendib Multisport, with Port City Colombo as the Venue and Presenting Partner, Shangri-La Colombo as the Host Hotel, Walker’s Tours as the Official Travel Partner, Carnage as the Official Active Wear Partner, Asiri Health as the Official Medical Partner, Hatch as the Official Workspace Partner, Wijeya Newspapers as the Official Print Media Partner, Capital Maharaja Group as the Official Electronic Media Partner, Unveid as the Official Hydration and Nutrition Partner, and Spinner Cycling as the Official Mechanical Partner.
