The work at the ‘Floatind Market’ with 92 shops at Bastion Mawatha in the Pettah, with the main aim of selling local products to foreign tourists, has been completed and would be opened very soon, the project’s architect Ms. Thushari Kariyawasam told AdaderanaBiz.

She also added that in addition to these 92 shops preparations are being made to establish five more ‘floating shops’ and a high quality floating restaurant in the area.

“There will be a boat service to the shoppers to and from these floating markets. This specially targets the tourists. So, this market will give prominence to items with local significance sought after by tourists. The architectural planning for this project was handled by Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the construction and other work done by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Army,” said Thushari Kariyawasam.

There would be 15 separate sales outlets for branded products and four food courts within this complex, she added.

Two vehicle parking places would be set up under this project which could accommodate around 80 vehicles.

Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are considered the countries with the most number of floating markets. These markets are maintained with the aim of attracting tourists by giving priority to the sale of items and products with significance to each country.
The ‘Damnoen Saduak’ floating market in Thailand is considered the world’s best floating market.

Photographs: Courtesy Defence Ministry