State Tourism Minister to revive night economy

From left: State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary Dr. Arosha Fernando, State Tourism Minister Private Secretary Major (Retd.) Namal Peiris, State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage and Fairway Colombo Director Business Development Romesh Amarasinghe

In a measure to revive the night economy in Sri Lanka, State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage ceremonially inaugurated the ‘Fairway Colombo Street Food Festival’ at the Dutch Hospital premises in Fort, with the participation of over 5,000 people.

This kind of event was last held three years ago, prior to the COVID pandemic. However, arrangements have now been made to hold this food festival on the last Saturday and Sunday of every month, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
Gamage was in the spotlight recently for promoting the creation of a no-holds-barred nightlife in the city of Colombo to attract high-spending tourists and is in line with her continued efforts to revive and establish a thriving and diverse night economy in Sri Lanka.

“Nothing brings people closer together, like great food. In celebration of our diverse food culture, the festival aims to promote the unique food heritage of Sri Lanka, with multiple options of varying cuisines, available at affordable prices, making this by far the biggest street food festival to hit Colombo,” said Fairway Colombo Director Business Development Romesh Amarasinghe, who is one of the key organisers of the event. 

“With a fusion of great music and ambience in the air, the night included a variety of entertainment, which backs up the festive atmosphere, making Colombo the most happening place to be,” added State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary Dr. Arosha Fernando.