Sri Lanka opened its first urban duty-free shopping mall this week at Port City Colombo, marking a milestone in the area’s development.
The newly constructed complex, branded as ‘The Mall’, features a mix of stores, restaurants and retail outlets. International duty-free retailers, including One World, China Duty Free Group and Flemingo, are among the operators, positioning Port City Colombo as a prime 
shopping destination.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who officiated the opening, reflected on the rapid progress of the Port City, noting that just two years ago, such development seemed unlikely. He stated that around 100 companies have expressed interest in investing in the Port City, with 74 expected to start operations by the end of the year.
“The inauguration of this duty-free centre in the Port City marks a significant milestone. Our tourism industry has now gained global prominence, attracting visitors who are drawn to this new shopping complex.
The development of shopping malls in the Port City is a key part of our strategy to enhance the region’s appeal and provide goods for tourists. This represents the beginning of a new era for the Port City,” he said.