‘Floating Market will be made the most popular tourist attraction in Colombo’: Faiszer

Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Faiszer Musthapha has promised to make the Floating Market in Pettah the most popular tourist attraction in Colombo.

“Sri Lanka has exceeded around 1.2 million tourist arrivals during last seven months. Tourism is one of the highest foreign exchange earners to the country. Hence, we should take every necessary action to uplift this industry. Colombo city will be made the best and the most popular tourism destination in South Asia and for that a favourable environment for tourists should be established in Colombo,” the Minister said. 

“An open area is essential which makes it easy for tourists to buy Sri Lankan food items, handicrafts and to enjoy the Sri Lankan environment. As I believe, the Colombo floating market can be upgraded for that level. I will take every necessary action through my Ministry to coordinate in this process and to make this dream come true,” Minister Musthapha added during discussions with top entrepreneurs of the tourism industry and the Pettah Business Association. He said the aim of this discussion was to make the floating market a better and a favourable place for tourists. 

The Pettah Business Association requested Minister Musthapha to make the floating market a better place in order to attract more and more tourists. Accordingly, as the first phase of this program, a Food Fiesta will be held on 24 and 25 August at the floating market.

With this program, more employment opportunities will be created in the country. It is planned to provide more local food stalls, sanitary facilities in the floating market. Several foreign investors are willing to invest in this project. But Minister Musthapha believes that the priority should be given for the local investors.