The Gafoor building, a prominent four-storey wedge-shaped building, located in Colombo Fort, will soon be transformed into a luxury hotel, State Minister for Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Public Sanitation, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa stated.

Addressing an event in Colombo today (08), the Minister stated that the building will be transformed into a luxury hotel in order to accommodate cruise ship passengers visiting the island.

Speaking further he also expressed the following:

“The building was completed in 1915. At the time of completion, the owner of this building was Abdul Gaffoor, a jewellery and gemstone trader.  He uses to sell gems and jewellery for cruise ship passengers visiting the island. The Building was described as being one of the largest and finest commercial structures in Colombo."

"This building will play a vital role, especially in developing the tourism industry in this country. The building is situated close to the harbour. Hence, this building will be transformed into a luxury hotel to accommodate cruise ship passengers visiting the island. the Urban Development Authority (UDA), would be reconstructing and renovating the building in order to develop it as a hotel with restaurants and shops. We are also planning to start a Multipurpose Transportation Hub," he said.