IntelScoops

Kandy | August 5, 2025

In a move that signals the country’s growing focus on digital tourism and virtual infrastructure, the Cabinet of Ministers has greenlit the launch of Sri Lanka’s first-ever “Virtual City” pilot project in Kandy—funded using allocations originally set aside for the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative.

The project will be spearheaded by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), which has been identified by the Ministry of Digital Economy as the most suitable state institution to undertake the initiative due to its technical expertise and proven track record in digital productions.

According to the proposal approved by the Cabinet, the historic city of Kandy—home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site—will be digitally mapped and transformed into an immersive virtual experience designed to enhance tourism accessibility and global visibility.

58 Locations in Stage One

The first phase of the pilot project will digitally recreate 58 key sites of cultural, historical, and touristic importance in and around Kandy. These include prominent landmarks, popular visitor attractions, and areas with untapped tourism potential.

“The initiative aims to offer virtual access to significant sites for both local and international audiences, elevating Sri Lanka’s global tourism profile,” a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism stated.

Stage Two: Digital Temple Precinct

In its second stage, the project will focus specifically on the virtual recreation of the Temple of the Tooth Relic premises, along with 20 other nearby sites that hold major historical and spiritual value. This includes technologically rendering the surrounding temple grounds, museums, and culturally rich neighborhoods.

“The Temple of the Tooth is not just a religious landmark—it is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s national identity. Digitally preserving and showcasing it is a significant step forward,” the official added.

Budget Reallocation Raises Questions

The project’s funding will come from the budget originally allocated to the “Clean Sri Lanka” environmental initiative, a decision that has drawn some public concern. While the government says the Virtual City project aligns with sustainable development goals—by promoting digital access and reducing physical tourism congestion—critics argue the reallocation may undermine ongoing environmental priorities.

No further details were immediately available regarding the total cost of the Virtual City project or the status of previously planned “Clean Sri Lanka” campaigns.

Tech-Tourism Push

With tourism revenue still rebounding in the post-pandemic and post-crisis era, Sri Lanka appears to be leaning heavily on digital innovation to attract new audiences and diversify visitor engagement.

Sri Lanka Telecom is expected to begin the production process in the coming weeks, with prototype experiences likely to be made available to the public in early 2026.