An Expert Committee and sub-committee have been appointed to commence drafting a Heritage & Development Foundation Act for Matara Fort & City.
The Cabinet decision to appoint the expert Committee was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in June 2025, while the Act’s Drafting Committee held their first meeting on 12th August.
Accordingly, public and private sector appointees have been made to both the Drafting Committee and its sub-committee – the Matara Development and Investment Coalition.
The appointment of an Expert Committee was submitted jointly by the Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing (UDCH), Anura Karunathilaka; the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.
The Expert Committee is tasked with leading plans to preserve heritage, boost sustainable investments and create jobs.
Meanwhile, the Heritage & Development Foundation Act for Matara Fort & City will set parameters for how Matara Fort & City can both secure its heritage as a colonial-era fort and historical centre, while preparing the groundwork to encourage investment in Matara from local and international investors, to bring economic development and employment to the Matara District. (Newswire)
