by Port City Colombo
Port City Colombo is a brand new sea reclamation city development project built as an extension of the existing Colombo CBD to the Indian Ocean, with an initial investment of US$1.4 billion and an expected US$15 billion overall investment when completed. Port City Colombo is being built next to the existing CBD where the World Trade Centre is located, south to the Colombo Harbour and north to the Galle Face Green. A sustainable design criterion has been given as a guideline for architecture and design of buildings within the new City in addition to plant palettes. This is a unique development project not only for Sri Lanka and its people but for the entire region. It will be a game changer that will have a significant impact socially, economically and environmentally.
Benchmarking international standards, Port City launched Development Control Regulations (DCR) in 2018, a detailed plan to be followed in all areas such as Urban Design, Utilities, Landscape and Sustainability, which are compulsory for all developers within Port City. On the sustainability side for example, water systems will be designed on the principles of conservation and efficiency. Rainwater will be reused to cater for the demand of flushing and irrigation/gardening within the plot to minimize the use of potable water. Energy efficient and environment friendly systems (electrical, pumping and ring main system) will minimize losses.
Port City Colombo celebrates its addition of 269ha to Sri Lanka on the 7th December
Five years in the making since 2014, Port City celebrated the official completion of reclamation and declaring of its 269 hectares to Sri Lankan landmass by issuing a commemorative stamp and a first day cover with a grand fireworks display on the 07th December 2019. The event was graced by the Prime Minister, Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Chief Guest at the ceremony. He was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka His Excellency Cheng Xueyuan, Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Gamini Lokuge, State Minister of Urban Development, Mr. Tang Qiaoliang, President of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama, the Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing Facilities and Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister.
Port City Colombo is made up of 5 precincts: a financial district, central park living, international island, the marina and island living. When completed, Port City Colombo is estimated to have 5.7 million square metres of built space, boasting some of the best in design in terms of grade A office, medical facilities, educational facilities, an integrated resort, a marina, retail destinations, hotels and other lifestyle developments. Using the latest sustainable city design and smart city concepts, Port City Colombo will be the hub of South Asia. Total developable area of 91 hectares of the reclaimed land would comprise roads, public spaces, and utility areas, while approximately 45 hectares will be set aside for public parks. Four thousand trees will be planted within the new city, creating a green lung for the Central Business District (CBD).
Commemorating this monumental moment, Sri Lanka witnessed a breath-taking synchronised grand display of fireworks engineered by Chinese fireworks experts.
