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Cabinet greenlights Rs. 700m Hamilton Canal tourism development project

Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved a Rs. 700 million initiative to transform Hamilton Canal into a major tourist destination. The project aims to enhance recreational and heritage value of the historic waterway.

LSN Sri Lanka · 3 November 2026

The Cabinet of Ministers has given the green light to a Rs. 700 million development project targeting Hamilton Canal, marking a significant step toward establishing the waterway as a key tourism asset for the country.

The canal, which carries historical significance for Sri Lanka, is set to undergo comprehensive enhancement to attract both domestic and international visitors. The project's scope includes improvements to infrastructure, recreational facilities, and heritage preservation initiatives along the canal's length.

Development of Hamilton Canal aligns with broader government efforts to diversify tourism offerings beyond traditional beach and cultural destinations. The initiative is expected to generate economic activity in surrounding areas and create employment opportunities through hospitality and service sectors.

The project represents a strategic investment in underutilized heritage infrastructure, with planners focusing on sustainable development practices to preserve the canal's environmental and historical character while accommodating visitor access and amenities.