Sri Lanka Telecom to Launch Virtual City Project in Kandy Using “Clean Sri Lanka” Funds
The Cabinet of Ministers has given the green light to a proposal to initiate the Virtual City Project in Kandy, led by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT). The pilot initiative will be funded through allocations originally designated for the “Clean Sri Lanka” program.
Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — has been selected as the pilot location for this ambitious digital transformation. In the first stage of the project, 58 key tourist destinations in and around Kandy will be virtually recreated to enhance the region’s appeal through immersive digital experiences.
The second phase will focus on creating a virtual replica of the Temple of the Tooth Relic and 20 historically significant sites in its vicinity. These digital representations aim to strengthen Sri Lanka’s cultural tourism offering and enhance global accessibility through advanced technology.
Following a feasibility assessment by the Ministry of Digital Economy, Sri Lanka Telecom was deemed technologically capable and well-experienced to carry out the project. SLT’s track record in similar digital productions also contributed to the ministry’s endorsement.
The proposal, presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, received full Cabinet approval, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to blend tourism promotion with digital innovation.
This initiative is expected to not only boost tourism in the central region but also set the foundation for future Virtual City projects across the island.
