A new tourism centre soon

The Defence Ministry has decided to refurbish Colombo Fort and renovate its suburb as a tourism centre. Ancient buildings and historical monuments along Bank of Ceylon Mawatha, York Street, Church Road and Olcott Mawatha will be developed.

The Dutch hospital in Fort will also be refurbished without any damages to the building's historic value.

As a first step of this longterm project, the park opposite the Dutch hospital was inaugurated for public entertainment by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday. Media Center for National Security Director General Lakshman Hullugalle said this project will be undertaken as a joint venture of the Colombo Municipal Council and Urban Development Authority with the direct supervision of the Defence Ministry.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Transport Ministry Secretary Dhammika Perera and Sri Lanka Port Authority Chairman Dr. Priyath Banduwickrama also participated. SB and WB