Sri Lanka is moving forward with plans to transform Colombo Fort into a distinctive tourism destination while preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage, following discussions between senior government officials and representatives of the World Bank.

A high-level meeting was held on August 24 at the Presidential Secretariat between Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi and a World Bank delegation led by Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives. The discussions focused on the Colombo Fort Tourism Development Project, which is being implemented with financial assistance and support from the World Bank.

Developing Colombo Fort as a Heritage Tourism Destination

A key focus of the meeting was the progress of the Colombo Fort tourism development initiative. The project aims to enhance the area as a tourism zone while maintaining and protecting its historical character.

The discussions also reviewed matters raised during an earlier meeting chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, highlighting the government’s continued attention to the development of Colombo Fort as an important destination within Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape.

Expanding Sri Lanka’s Tourism Potential

Beyond the Colombo Fort project, World Bank representatives expressed their willingness to support Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to strengthen the tourism industry and achieve key national development targets.

Particular attention was given to opportunities to expand nature-based tourism, as well as further develop tourism in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces. These regions possess significant cultural, natural and coastal attractions that could contribute to the country’s tourism growth when developed sustainably.

Support Across Key Economic Sectors

The discussions extended beyond tourism, with the World Bank indicating its readiness to assist Sri Lanka in advancing important sectors of the economy, including agribusiness, ports and logistics, and energy.

Such collaboration could contribute to strengthening infrastructure, improving economic opportunities and supporting sustainable development across multiple sectors.

Strengthening International Cooperation

The meeting reflects continued cooperation between the Sri Lankan Government and the World Bank in supporting the country’s economic and tourism development agenda.

World Bank Senior Operations Officer for Sri Lanka and Maldives Stephan Massing and Senior Operations Officer Asela Dissanayake also participated in the discussions.

With Colombo Fort positioned as a potential flagship heritage tourism destination, combined with greater emphasis on nature-based tourism and regional tourism development, the collaboration could play an important role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a diverse and sustainable global tourism destination.