Commonwealth _ Bird Island, located on Beira Lake in Sri Lanka’s financial district, is set to undergo significant transformation. The island will be leased to the Sri Jinarathana Vocational Technical Training Centre on a long-term lease of 50 years, as announced by Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena. The development aims to establish Bird Island as a prominent tourist attraction, integrating cultural heritage into its appeal.
Minister Gunawardena informed reporters on Tuesday about the initiative, highlighting the island’s potential to become a key tourist destination. The proposal for utilizing the land was made by the Chief Incumbent of the Gangarama Temple, underscoring the cultural significance the development would embody. The island, spanning 143 perches, has a strategic location on southwest Beira Lake and has been part of the Colombo City Development Plan since 2000. This plan includes the Beira Lake Restoration Project, which aims to enhance the urban landscape and revitalize the lake area.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing to lease the island to the Sri Jinarathana Institute, which is affiliated with the Gangarama Temple. The lease agreement is based on the value determined by the Chief Assessor of the Government, ensuring a fair and transparent transaction.
Bird Island’s development as a tourist attraction is expected to bring multiple benefits. Firstly, it will enrich Colombo’s cultural landscape, offering visitors a unique experience that combines natural beauty with historical and cultural elements. The Gangarama Temple, one of Colombo’s most significant religious and cultural landmarks, will play a central role in this development. The temple is known for its annual Vesak celebrations, which draw large crowds, and its involvement in Bird Island’s transformation is likely to enhance the island’s cultural value.
Secondly, the project aligns with the broader objectives of the Beira Lake Restoration Project, which aims to improve the ecological health of the lake and its surroundings. By developing Bird Island, authorities hope to attract both local and international tourists, thereby boosting the local economy. Increased tourist activity can lead to more business opportunities in the hospitality and retail sectors, further contributing to the financial district’s growth.
Additionally, the involvement of the Sri Jinarathana Vocational Technical Training Centre indicates an educational component to the project. The centre is renowned for providing vocational training and educational opportunities to young people, and its presence on Bird Island could introduce new learning and development programs. This aspect of the project could foster skills development and provide employment opportunities for the local community, aligning with broader socio-economic development goals.
However, it is crucial to ensure that the development is sustainable and respects the ecological balance of Beira Lake. Proper environmental assessments and sustainable planning practices must be undertaken to preserve the natural habitat and avoid adverse impacts on the lake’s ecosystem. This approach will help maintain the lake’s biodiversity and ensure that the development benefits both people and nature.
The leasing of Bird Island to the Sri Jinarathana Vocational Technical Training Centre represents a significant step towards enhancing Colombo’s cultural and tourist landscape. The project’s integration of cultural heritage, economic development, and educational opportunities positions it as a multifaceted initiative with the potential to generate long-term benefits for the city and its residents. By carefully balancing development with ecological sustainability, Bird Island can become a model for similar urban revitalization projects in the region.
