The Government of Sri Lanka is building a state-of-the-art central fish market complex at Peliyagoda. The estimated cost of the project is SL Rs 1,120 million (roughly Rs 42 crore). The Asian Development Bank is funding the fish market under the government's Aquatic Resource Development and Quality Improvement Project. A part of the cost amounting to SL Rs 440 million (or Rs 16.5 crore) will be covered from the savings of the funds allocated to ARDQIP.
The Sri Lanka Cabinet has already granted its approval to the memorandum for the project submitted by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera. Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation will prepare the site for the central fish market at Peliyagoda.
The project, which will replace the existing, albeit outdated, St. John's Fish Market in Colombo, will consist of a two-storey wholesale market with a floor area of about 8,800 square metres; a two-storey retail market with a floor area of around 7,000 square metres; a 25-tonne flake ice plant including three cold rooms; a silage plant; a wastewater treatment plant; and other related infrastructure facilities.
The market buildings will be reinforced concrete-framed structures with some 350 pile foundations. Basic services within the complex will include water supply, sewerage and drainage, 1,000 kVA electrical substation, 500 kVA generator and fire protection, adequate parking and other facilities.
The Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee, Government of Sri Lanka, recently invited bids from international contractors for the construction of the fish market complex.