In a bid to promote arts, craft and tourism, the Floating Market in Pettah is to be converted into a mega Film and Art Centre with three Mini Cinema halls as well.
The initiative in this regard has been taken by former National Craft Council Chairman and Managing Director Buddhi Batik, Buddhi Keerthisena.
He said that today the Floating market on wooden pillars which was created with multiple objectives, is today idling and almost abandoned. “This being a prime land, I decided to convert it to a mega cultural city to attract local arts and craft lovers as well as tourists.”
He said he has already obtained a 30 perch land area for the project from the Urban Development Authority and would invest Rs. 200 million for the project.
The area to be branded as Cine City Water Front Maradana , would have three mini cinema halls, shops that sell craft and such other items. “We have already spoken to mini hotels in the area who have promised to upgrade their services to meet the demands of guests visiting the Cine City Water Front and hence, would not have any food stall.”
He said that the Mini Theaters would also be rented out for arts and craft exhibitors similar to the Lionel Wendt. He said that Cine City is created as a CRS initiative and not for profit.
The ground breaking ceremony for the Cine City Water Front which would be opened in April 2020, would be held on October 4 from 10 a.m. onwards, with Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis & Western Development, as Chief Guest. (SS)
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