Port City Colombo: A New Chapter in Sri Lanka’s Development
Introduction
Port City Colombo is one of South Asia’s most ambitious and extensive urban development projects. Located on reclaimed land right in the midst of Colombo’s central business district, this hi-tech city is to be a financial and business center that will recast not just Sri Lanka’s economy but the geopolitical map of the Indian Ocean region. With an estimated price tag of more than $15 billion and a master plan by the world’s top architects and town planners, Port City Colombo is typically characterized as competing with Dubai International Financial Centre or Singapore’s Marina Bay. However, it has also been debated and controversialized, especially regarding its impact on the environment, its debt burden, and China’s expanding influence.
Background and Development
Port City Colombo formally started operations in 2014 as a joint venture between the Sri Lankan Government and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), a company of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The operation fell under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an overseas infrastructure plan aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The project originally involved reclaiming 269 hectares (about 660 acres) of land from the sea, directly adjacent to the Galle Face Green in Colombo. Of the total reclaimed land, 178 hectares would be saleable and leased for development, and the rest would be used for public areas, infrastructure, and utilities. In 2020, an additional 30 hectares was included in the plan, bringing the total area to about 289 hectares.
The land was reclaimed for the first time in 2019, and the land was officially declared to be part of Sri Lankan territory. The development is controlled by the Port City Commission under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act passed in 2021, which gives the area its own set of regulations.
Urban Vision and Design
Port City Colombo is to be developed as a smart, sustainable, and global city with five main urban districts:
Financial District – Proposed as a hub for international banks, financial institutions, and corporate offices.
Marina District – Luxury waterfront complex featuring residential towers, shopping malls, and yacht marina.
International Island – A global convention and conference centre, with hotels and entertainment amenities.
Central Park Living – Green, eco-sensitive residential and commercial space.
Island Life – Oceanfront luxury villas and lifestyle communities.
The city is designed with modern urban planning concepts, including green belts, walkability, public transport, and intelligent infrastructure. Landmark structures such as a new international convention center, hospitals, schools, and marinas are planned to make it a live-work-play destination.
Economic Potential
Port City Colombo is conceptualized to be Sri Lanka’s initial Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for service and knowledge-based industries, such as financial services, IT, logistics, and tourism. Its unique legal and regulatory framework will most likely attract foreign investors, with tax concessions, business ease, and a streamlined approvals mechanism.
Some expected benefits are: Employment generation: In the long run, over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected. FDI inflows: The city aims to attract foreign investment of $13–15 billion. GDP boost: Port City, when operational at full capacity, would be capable of adding over $10 billion annually to Sri Lanka’s GDP, according to Sri Lankan government estimates.
Real estate development: The real estate industry will experience growth, especially in high-end residential, office, and retail space. Port City is envisioned to transform Sri Lanka into a regional business center, competing with cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Legal and Governance Framework
The Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, passed in 2021, forms the regulatory pillar of the city. It enables: Independent commercial courts. Liberal financial regulations. Foreign ownership of businesses and real estate. Offshore banking and fintech operations.
The law also creates the Port City Commission, a centralized state with extensive powers to regulate, market, and administer the city. The special regime differs from Sri Lanka’s regular legal system, and this has been criticized as well as praised. Port City Colombo, a city development project along the periphery of Colombo’s central business district, not only transforming the face of Sri Lanka but also turning it into a more attractive destination for leisure and entertainment. One of the trendy institutions of this new city is Bellevue Beach Club, a high-end venue for locals and expats seeking to enjoy a combination of relaxation and vibrant social interactions.
Bellevue Beach Club: A Fusion of Elegance and Entertainment
Situated on the pristine beachfront of Port City Colombo, the Bellevue Beach Club offers a well-balanced combination of luxury and leisure. The club comes with a spacious swimming pool, a serene haven where one could unwind and enjoy the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The pool is completed with a spacious deck, which comes furnished with comfortable loungers and umbrellas, a perfect spot for sunbathing or enjoying a refreshing cocktail.
Dining at the Bellevue Beach Club is diverse, with the menu a combination of international and local flavors. Guests can enjoy a variety of delicacies prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while being serenaded by the soothing sound of the waves. The beachside location of the club ensures that diners enjoy a scenic view, which complements the atmosphere of the meal.
The club’s interior is meticulously designed to depict a modern style, incorporating elements of features that pay tribute to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Natural materials, such as wood and stone, are incorporated to add warmth and comfort. Large windows allow plentiful natural light and offer unrestricted views of the sea and landscape. Interior design is blended in harmony with contemporary luxury and traditional Sri Lankan motifs, creating an exceptional and immersive atmosphere for visitors.
To supplement the social experience, the Bellevue Beach Club offers a range of events, including live musical performances, themed parties, and cultural displays. The events are designed to appeal to both the local and expatriate crowd, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The club’s management endeavors to provide exceptional service, ensuring that the experience of every guest is memorable and enjoyable.
Other Leisure and Entertainment Facilities in Port City Colombo
Apart from the Bellevue Beach Club, Port City Colombo is developing a range of leisure and entertainment facilities to enrich the lives of its residents and visitors. Among them is the Ceylon Riding Club Port City, which offers beach horse riding experiences. The club has an indoor floodlit arena, making it suitable for riders at any time of the day. The design incorporates materials from the local regions, rendering the facility eco-friendly in addition to being harmonious with nature.
For those interested in water sports, Port City Colombo offers sailing, where one can rent yachts and sail along the coastline, enjoying the sea breeze and the stunning city skyline views. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy jet-skiing and kitesurfing, among others, with facilities and equipment being provided by experienced operators.
The city also possesses recreational parks like Malvathu Park, a tropical garden that connects Port City Colombo beach with the northern end of Colombo Fort. The park features walking and cycling paths, monsoon gardens, and a clubhouse, providing a serene escape from urban life.
Port City Colombo is quickly becoming a much-desired experience, especially with new additions and facilities constantly opening. This is a quick and handy guide on how to get to Port City Colombo if you’re local or foreign:
Where is Port City Colombo?
Port City Colombo is located adjacent to Galle Face Green, along the coastline of Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo. It is easily accessible from most parts of the city, especially the central business district and Colombo Fort area.
How to Get There?
By Car or Taxi
From Colombo Fort: About a 5–10 minute journey.
From Bandaranaike International Airport: About 45 minutes to 1 hour based on traffic. Use ride-hailing options like PickMe or Uber, which are readily available in Colombo.
By Public Transport
Buses and trains will get you to Colombo Fort Station or Pettah, from which there is a quick taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the entrance.
The Port City area is not yet fully connected into the public bus network, so direct access by public transportation might be limited.
Main Entry Point
The most frequent entry point is by Galle Face Green, either via Chaitya Road or the side of the Lotus Tower, depending on your destination in Port City.
Things to Do in Port City Colombo
Visit Bellevue Beach Club
A beach club with pool lounging, cocktails, and pursuits. Ideal for daytime lounging or evening cocktail by the sea.
Promenade or Bike along Promenades
The Marina Promenade and Malvathu Park are open to the public with landscaped promenades and sea views. Ideal for a morning run, evening walk, or leisurely cycling.
Ceylon Riding Club visit
Offers horse riding on the beach or training in their indoor arena. Family and beginner-friendly.
Attend Events and Pop-Ups
Port City has weekend markets, art exhibitions, cultural events, and international exhibitions regularly.
Sunset View
Port City offers uninterrupted sunset views of the Indian Ocean an ideal spot for photography or serene reflection.
Opening Hours – Public areas and parks: Generally open 7 AM to 10 PM. Specific venues (restaurants, clubs, riding school): Hours vary best to check online or call ahead.
Entrance Fees
Public entry to the Port City area is free. Some experiences (like the beach club, riding school, or yacht charters) have their own pricing.
