Japan to build ‘Town’ in Colombo and one out of many in foreign countries

Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, is set to receive a new attraction with the development of a “Japanese Town,” at the center of the city.

The project will transform the abandoned floating market in Pettah, located in Colombo’s Central Business District.

The Urban Development Authority of Sri Lanka has signed an MOU with the Japanese firm Akira Hirose to initiate the project.

Japanese investors will pump in 160 million US dollars toward the transformation.

The Pettah Floating Market, built in 2014, covers six acres and consists of 92 shops, including two large restaurants.

Once redeveloped, the town will feature a strong Japanese identity, offering both tourists and locals a unique new experience in Sri Lanka.