Sri Lanka and the World Bank have discussed plans to develop Colombo Fort as a dedicated tourism zone, with a focus on turning the historic area into a major tourism hub while preserving its cultural and architectural heritage.

The discussion took place at the Presidential Secretariat between a World Bank delegation and officials representing the President. The meeting also followed earlier discussions on developing Colombo Fort while maintaining its historical identity.

The World Bank indicated its willingness to support Sri Lanka not only in tourism but also in areas including agriculture, ports, supply services and energy. Discussions also highlighted opportunities to expand nature-based tourism and strengthen tourism development in the Northern and Eastern provinces.

The proposed Colombo Fort tourism zone could create new opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, retail businesses and experience providers in one of Colombo's most historically significant areas. At the same time, preserving the character of the Fort will be important as the city looks to create a modern visitor experience around its heritage.

The latest discussions signal Sri Lanka's broader effort to develop new tourism zones and diversify visitor experiences beyond traditional destinations.