One Colombo Fort to fortify the city

One Colombo Fort (OCF), a far-reaching campaign to turn Sri Lanka’s No.1 Ward into a vibrant tourism and economic hub, and a model sustainable city has been launched. 

A collaborative effort between the State and the private sector, the project is spearheaded by developmental catalyst Dr. Dinesh Watawana and the Daily FT, highlighting the increasingly pivotal role of media as advocates of progress.

Working under the premise of creating shared value, this development nexus seeks to bring about transformation through advocacy and cutting-edge concepts which will inspire both the Government and private sector stakeholders into leveraging on the city’s rich historical heritage and modern interventions in a seamless marriage that would transform Colombo Fort into a sustainable city that lends itself into a robust tourism brand.

From a rare lighthouse doubling as a clock tower in the middle of a busy street to etching itself into history as the cradle of Ceylonese cricket, to boasting Asia’s oldest department store, Sri Lanka’s Numero Uno, Colombo Fort is where history lives on, hand in glow, with the sky-high present, avers project architect Dr. Watawana.

Colombo Fort’s true character and value are enshrined in its Colonial heritage but somewhere between the eternal liaison, decadent spaces of neglect and apathy pose a ghostly reminder that the future of Sri Lanka’s Ward No.1 is colliding with its glorious past, he adds. “But what if this treasure trove could be transformed into a sustainable city of wonders, creating the most vibrant tourism brand and a role model for this island nation? What if its colonial architects join hands to give life to an inspirational chapter of creating shared value?”

OCF’s mandate is to bring together all the stakeholders, including the State machinery, premier blue chips, and the SMEs, inspiring change through advocacy, turning eye-sores into attractions, creating resourceful new ideas while carving out a vibrant brand under One Colombo Fort, built on a structured sustainable plan of growth.

Colombo Fort is laced with history and modern infrastructure, but is a far cry from developing into a cohesive tourism and economic model that could lay claims to being a showpiece city. The need of the hour is a futuristic plan and advocacy that can make it happen.

The OCF team is creating a model of growth where the media doesn’t merely report but emerges as advocates of progress who help create shared value. In creating a strong geographical brand, the OCF team envisages to expand its domain to include Colombo Port City, Galle Face and Colombo Fort’s immediate environs into a one-stop that offers discerning local and international tourists a destination on the ethos of sustainable and responsible tourism.

Primary research of the geographic location is already underway in order to establish the historic milestones, locations already reflecting sound values, neglected and decaying landmarks. Creative conceptual plans are also being mooted which will attract tourists, creating a boom for Colombo Fort while at the same time, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s showpiece city grows under the ethos of sustainability and responsibility. The OCF campaign hopes to bring on board Colombo Fort’s colonial architects in an attempt to create modern-day relevance, building cross-cultural harmony, opening the door to greater tourism between the countries.

Transforming Colombo Fort will form a case study in just how the media, professionals and State-private partnerships can combine to maximise the Sri Lankan potential at a time when a cohesive, collective front forms a prerequisite to bringing the country out of the protracted economic impasse.