Port City Colombo, in collaboration with the Department of Town and Country Planning of the University of Moratuwa, has launched the inaugural “Smart City Ideathon: Innovate, Plan, and Transform Urban Futures of Port City Colombo” workshop. Hosted at the Sales Gallery, the pioneering initiative aims to explore innovative and practical approaches to urban planning, design, and development for Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka’s first foreign-currency designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The ‘Smart City Ideathon’ is a three-phase workshop programme designed to cultivate synergy between academia and industry, specially curated for the undergraduate students currently pursuing a Bachelors’ degree in Urban Informatics and Planning at the University of Moratuwa. The Smart City Ideathon offers a unique platform for young minds to explore the future of urban living by sparking critical thinking, inviting fresh perspectives, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative concepts that have the potential to redefine the urban experience and elevate the functional offerings of Port City Colombo as it evolves into a fully operational smart city.
“Port City Colombo is designed not just as a physical space, but as a dynamic model for the future of urban living: intelligent, adaptable, and human-centric,” said Jeyatharani Senthooran, Manager, Urban Planning, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. “Through initiatives like the Smart City Ideathon, we are nurturing the next generation of urban innovators, empowering them to shape cities that are globally competitive and locally responsive. By providing the tools and opportunities to lead, we are helping young minds redefine how cities think, connect, and grow.”
With over 100 students in attendance, the first leg of the workshop involved Port City Colombo representatives who provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s development roadmap, strategic objectives, environmental sustainability initiatives, and the progressive regulatory framework underpinning the landmark Special Economic Zone.
“This workshop exemplifies the power of meaningful collaboration between academia and industry, showcasing how shared knowledge can drive real-world impact,” said Dr. Amila Buddhika Jayasinghe, Senior Lecturer, Department of Town and Country Planning, University of Moratuwa. “Through initiatives such as the Smart City Ideathon, our students are gaining the tools, the platform, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the cities of tomorrow. Port City Colombo, with its ambition and scale, offers the ideal incubation environment for these young minds to envision the future of urban life in the upcoming decade.”
The upcoming phases, scheduled for June and August 2025, will see student teams develop conceptual urban solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges while enhancing the liveability and functionality of Port City Colombo.
To learn more about the attractive investment opportunities at Port City Colombo, please visit www.portcitycolombo.lk. For information on Single Window Investment Facilitation and regulatory matters, please visit www.portcitycolombo.gov.lk.