A discussion on the proposed 'Temple City' project, which aims to develop the area surrounding Beira Lake into an international tourism and cultural destination centred on the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, was held yesterday (30) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, which enjoys the respect and reverence of both local and international visitors, is one of Colombo's foremost religious and cultural landmarks. Recognising its tourism potential, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), under the guidance of the Gangaramaya Temple, has proposed the implementation of the 'Temple City' project with the objective of transforming the surrounding area into an attractive tourist destination.

As part of the project, a range of development initiatives is planned, including the construction of a pedestrian walkway around Beira Lake to enable local and international visitors to move around the area conveniently and freely. The project will also include landscaping, beautification of the surrounding environment and the further enhancement of tourism-friendly facilities.

The meeting included extensive discussions on the proposed plans and the next stages of the project. The Secretary to the President emphasised the importance of strengthening coordination among government institutions and securing the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the project is implemented expeditiously.

It is expected that the successful implementation of the project will transform the area surrounding Beira Lake and the Gangaramaya Temple into an internationally recognised tourism and cultural hub, while further enhancing Colombo's appeal as a tourist destination.

Among those present at the meeting were the Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero; Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri; Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage; Chairman of the Urban Development Authority, M.G. Hemachandra; Deputy Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council, Hemantha Kumara; representatives of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and other relevant government institutions; as well as senior officials from the security forces.