🏙️ Sri Lanka Approves Rs. 1.47 Bn "10 Cities" Urban & Tourism Boost

The Cabinet has greenlit a Rs. 1.475 billion modernization and city-branding initiative across 10 selected towns to enhance their economic value and appeal for domestic and international tourism. • Funding Breakdown: The total Rs. 1.475 billion allocation includes Rs. 500 million already earmarked in the budget for these urban centers. It runs parallel to a separate Budget 2026 allocation of Rs. 1.3 billion (with Rs. 325 million for this year) managed by the Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry for major hubs. • Scope & Implementation: A data-driven approach will roll out 217 specific projects. The ministry will collaborate with other line ministries and State institutions to execute the plan. • Targeted Cities: Development is localized to Jaffna, Matale, Hatton, Batticaloa, Chilaw, Thambuttegama, Vavuniya, Eheliyagoda, Badulla, and Matara. Major hubs like Anuradhapura, Kataragama, Colombo, and Kandy are covered under the separate budget line. • Strategic Focus: Moving away from a uniform development model, projects will be tailored to each city's individual cultural assets, economic strengths, and unique characteristics to build distinct urban identities.