SRI LANKA - Ministry of Finance and Planning

Cities of the Future
Colombo City has already been developed as a First
Order City. Hambantota, Trincomalee, Batticaloa,
Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Ampara and
Jaffna are already identified as emerging First Order
Cities. Further, Kurunegala, Galle, Gampaha and
Nuwara-Eliya are also identified as potential locations
for future First Order Cities.
Each of these cities will provide a high level of urban
services, amenities and facilities. Creating of high
quality urban environments with associated education,
commercial, social and cultural opportunities will
make these new cities pleasant and sought after
places for people to live. Metro Cities will provide a
diverse range of employment opportunities and they
will be positioned to capitalize on regional economic
opportunities.
Port City - Hambantota
Hambantota will be developed as an industrial and
transportation hub and positioned to capitalize on the
region’s tourism potential as well.
Hambantota city will be well on its way to becoming a
metro city with the completion of the Administrative
Complex, International Convention Centre, and its
sea-port and airport. Mattala, Sooriyawewa and
Debarawewa are developed as satellite cities connected
to the Metro City.
Agro-based Trade City- Dambulla
Dambulla has direct connections to all major
agriculture-based areas including Nuwara-Eliya,
Polonnaruwa and Jaffna. Therefore, Dambulla will be
developed as the primary agro-based trade city in the
country. Dambulla will also be developed as a primary
domestic connectivity logistics hub in the country.
Heritage Cities – Anuradhapura
and Polonnaruwa
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri
Lanka, famous for its rich heritage and archeological
significance. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is similar.
Both cities have been declared as UNESCO World
Heritage Sites and are popular tourist destinations.
These cities will be further enhanced and positioned as
hubs for cultural heritage and ecotourism development.
City of Diversified Culture - Jaffna
Jaffna is well-known for its rich and diversified culture,
fishing industry and tourist attractions. Jaffna will be
developed as a Metro City in the Northern Province.
Malavi and Kilinochchi are to be developed as second
order cities in the North. Industries based on local
resources including cement and chemical will be
developed. The tourism potential of Jaffna lagoon and
its surroundings will also be captured as well.
Construction of International Convention Centre and Administrative
Centre in Hambantota is in progress
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