Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has given approval for the Government to invest more than US$300 million or nearly Rs. 48 billion to reclaim land for a new beachfront from Colpetty (Kollupitiya) to Dehiwela, officials had told reporters recently. The Coast Conservation Department and the Finance Ministry’s National Planning Department have alsogranted approval for the project according to officials.

Project Director Rear Admiral D.E.C. Jayakody had told reporters that the beach will be developed as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with an estimated investment for the reclamation work alone costing more than US$ 300 million.

According to Rear Admiral Jayakody this artificial beach will complement the port city project and will create a world class beach with numerous leisure activities that will attract thousands of visitors. He has further said that the landfill will begin at Kollupitiya with the beach being extended some 80 metres towards the sea, whilst the width will be increased to around 200 metres when it reaches Dehiwela. According to him there would be special breakwater systems so that throughout the year the water levels could be controlled and the sea made safe for visitors, particularly sea bathers.

Megapolis and Western Province Development Ministry Secretary Nihal Rupasinghe had told reporters that under the ambitious project, nearly 85 hectares or 210.04 acreas of beach land will be reclaimed through landfill. Furthermore according to reports the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has been given 6 months to prepare a feasibility report before commencement of the project, whilst an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study is also underway. Once the feasibility study is completed, international bids will be called by January next year to develop the artificial beach, according to officials.

The proposed attractions of the artificial beach supposed to include a world-class aquarium, a sea plane operation unit, and water sports and wreck diving to see shipwrecks around the coast. A safe sea bathing area will be demarcated for the visitors. Officials had further added that the entire area will be able to house up to 50,000 people at any time and will include a park for 3,000 vehicles.