Welcome to Sri Lanka - Metro Colombo Urban Development Project
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Protecting Colombo from Floods & Improving Quality of Life
Tour stop audio transcript
The Metro Colombo Urban Development Project is helping reduce vulnerability to flooding in Colombo, Sri Lanka, while making the city more livable. With $213 million in World Bank support, the country has made investments in public spaces, wetlands, and infrastructure. Once completed, over 200,000 residents will have greater direct protection from flooding and benefit from a higher quality of life.
Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Photos by: Joe Qian/World Bank
Preserving Colombo's Wetlands
Tour stop audio transcript
Colombo’s wetlands are the city’s natural lungs, helping to filter the air, moderate temperatures, and absorb rainwater. By making the natural sites more accessible, places like Beddagana Wetlands Park are helping educate the public on the benefits of preserving the city’s wetlands. The park has also become a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Beddagana Wetlands Park in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Photos by: Joe Qian/World Bank
More and Better Public Spaces
Tour stop audio transcript
Linear Park, along Colombo’s scenic Beira Lake, is helping create a public space for people to enjoy views of Colombo’s growing skyline and take advantage of amenities, such as a new exercise course.
Linear Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Photos by: Joe Qian/World Bank
Crow Island Beach Park, Sri Lanka
Tour stop audio transcript
Crow Island Beach Park in Northern Colombo is in a comparatively low-income area where there were few public spaces for nearby residents. The new park provides boardwalks, beach access, playgrounds, biking and walking paths, and a restaurant that everyone can enjoy.
Crow Island Beach Park, Sri Lanka
Photos by: Joe Qian/World Bank
Recreation for All Ages
Tour stop audio transcript
Once overrun with vegetation and insects, Colombo’s Viharamahadevi Park has been rehabilitated with a wide variety of amenities for the public to enjoy, including this popular children’s playground and kiosks for vendors.
Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Photos by: Joe Qian/World Bank
Children Enjoy Summer Camp
Tour stop audio transcript
The project has helped rehabilitate public buildings and parks, like Viharamahadevi Park pictured here, which are now widely enjoyed by the public. Local scouts enjoy their summer camp at this renewed public space where they play, learn, and build camaraderie with one another through a variety of activities.
Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Photos by: Joe Qian/World Bank
Safer Road Crossings
Tour stop audio transcript
The project has also modernized the city’s busy Galle Road with new pavement, sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly crossings and signals. These improvements help alleviate gridlock and promote road safety, improving the experiences of drivers and pedestrians alike.
Galle Road Crosswalk, Central Colombo
Photos by: Joe Qian/World Bank
