Colombo’s iconic Gangaramaya Temple, a beacon of history, spirituality, and culture, is set to undergo a transformation that will elevate it into a world-class cultural and tourist destination. The ambitious Temple City Project aims to reposition this historic precinct at the heart of Colombo’s global tourism identity.
Located in Hunupitiya, Colombo 2, the temple is far more than a place of worship—it is a living museum of Sri Lanka’s heritage. Established by the revered scholar monk Most Venerable Dr. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero, the precinct houses sacred relics, a rare Ola leaf manuscript library, and a museum showcasing antiques and vintage vehicles. Its architectural centerpiece, the Seema Malakaya, designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, perfectly blends tradition with modern design.
The temple holds a unique place in history as the first site in the world to raise the Buddhist Flag, and it continues to attract devotees and tourists alike. Every year, the Navam Perahera festival draws participants from Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, celebrating Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity. In recent years, international troupes have added a global dimension to the festivities, further boosting Colombo’s cultural profile.
Currently ranked as Colombo’s top tourist attraction by TripAdvisor, the temple already welcomes thousands of visitors annually. The Temple City Project aims to enhance this experience, creating a destination of international significance. Initiated in late 2025, the Rs. 600 million project is scheduled for completion by 2027.
The initiative is part of the Colombo City Tourism Attraction Enhancement Program, implemented in collaboration with Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), and the Gangaramaya Temple / Sri Jinarathana Adyapana Ayathana Palaka Sabhawa.
Key features of the project include the Kaladupatha Cultural Events Centre—a 550-seat performance hall with exhibition spaces and outdoor recreational areas; eco-friendly infrastructure using solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems; a scenic Beira Lake pedestrian and jogging track; and landscaped gardens with shaded seating and family-friendly zones.
“This initiative represents a unique opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s heritage to the world,” said representatives from the Gangaramaya Temple and UDA. “It will preserve our cultural and religious legacy while establishing a landmark of global significance for future generations.”Under the leadership of Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, and Tourism and Cultural Task Force member Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi, the Temple City Project promises a harmonious convergence of heritage, art, spirituality, and modern urban living. Once complete, the Gangaramaya Temple precinct will stand as a beacon of cultural harmony, leisure, and ecological consciousness, placing Colombo firmly on the international tourism map
