About Us

Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka’s administrative capital, is blessed with rich wetland ecosystems amidst an urban setting. This proposal outlines a comprehensive 10-year nature- based eco-tourism initiative to transform Kotte’s wetlands and green spaces into a sustainable tourist destination while conserving biodiversity and benefiting local communities. The project will enhance existing attractions – such as Diyatha Uyana, Beddagana Wetland Park, Diyawanna Oya wetlands, the Kotte Bird Trail, and the Parliament grounds – and develop new eco-tourism opportunities. It emphasizes environmental protection through wetland conservation, reforestation, native plant restoration, pollution mitigation, and public education. Community involvement is central; the initiative will employ a participatory approach ensuring local residents are engaged in planning,

implementation, and benefit-sharing. A Public-Private- People Partnership (4Ps) model will govern the project, bringing together government agencies, private sector tour operators, and community organizations to collaboratively develop and manage Kotte’s eco-tourism resources. The proposal targets both domestic and international tourists, aiming to provide enriching nature experiences (e.g. bird watching trails, wetland park tours, cycling routes) that also serve educational and conservation goals. A clear funding plan is included, leveraging support from local authorities, private sponsors, and international environmental programs. The following sections detail the project’s background, objectives, components, implementation strategy, budget, monitoring and evaluation framework, and long-term sustainability plan.

A view of the lakeside walking track near the Parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, which provides scenic recreation while protecting the wetland edges. Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is unique in that much of the area surrounding the Parliament Complex consists of low-lying freshwater marshlands and lakes, forming one of Sri Lanka’s largest urban wetland ecosystems (Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, 2022). These wetlands – primarily around Diyawanna Oya (the lake encircling Parliament) – have long been a haven for biodiversity, notably birds. Lake Diyawanna’s marshes support around 100 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species, making it an urban birding paradise(Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, 2022). Habitats in the area range from lotus-covered ponds and reed beds to wet grasslands, mudflats, and wooded patches, providing feeding and breeding grounds for waterfowl, waders,and other wildlife(Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, 2022)(Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, 2022). For decades, local bird populations have thrived here – for example,

Flag of the Kingdom of Kotte

Beddagana Wetland, part of the Diyawanna floodplain, has been known as a “birds’ paradise” and important breeding site(Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, 2022). In recognition of its ecological value, the wetlands around Kotte (including Beddagana and the Kotte ramparts marsh) were declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985(Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, 2022), and Colombo (with Kotte as a key area) received the Ramsar Wetland City accreditation in 2018(Urban Development Authority, 2023) for its commitment to protecting urban wetlands(Central Environmental Authority, 2023). Existing and Potential Eco-Tourism Attractions in Kotte Kotte already hosts several attractions that capitalize on these natural ecosystems, and there is potential to further develop them into a connected eco-tourism circuit.