A Policy to Celebrate Culture, Creativity, and Community Life in Colombo.
Colombo has energy, talent, and stories — but lacks the spaces to celebrate them. Live Loud, Shine Proud brings public life back to the city with sports leagues, open-air festivals, youth arts, and street performances. It transforms neglected spaces into vibrant cultural zones and positions Colombo as a city of joy, talent, and identity.
The Problems
- Under utilised public sports grounds or facilities for young people, especially in low-income areas. Existing ones are poorly maintained or restricted.
- Very few entertainment options for families, youth, or visitors — especially outside of malls or expensive venues.
- Colombo is not being showcased well to tourists. There’s no central place to find events, cultural activities, or local experiences.
- Our city feels inactive and disconnected — no community spirit, no regular events, and little support for local talent or creativity.
What We Have Now
- Large stadiums and a few public parks — mostly underused by everyday people.
- Occasional events at Galle Face, Viharamahadevi Park, or private venues.
- Popular tourist spots — like Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Pettah — but little storytelling, limited walkability, and few guided experiences.
- Talented youth, artists, and creators — but no public platform or city support.
What We Will Improve
Sports & Youth Engagement
- Open up underused school and government-owned grounds for public use on evenings/weekends.
- Renovate small play spaces
- Launch zonal youth leagues in cricket, football, netball, and volleyball with local coaching and gear support.
Entertainment Access
- Revive city-owned venues and parks for weekly cultural events, free movie nights, live performances.
- Support local event organizers and performers with low-cost permits and technical/logistical support.
- Encourage community-driven entertainment — school bands, street theatre, storytelling sessions.
Tourism Promotion
- Light up and clean Colombo’s heritage areas
- Train local residents (especially youth and elders) to become tour guides, storytellers, and hosts for food walks, cultural trails, etc.
- Create local souvenir markets where artists, makers, and small businesses can sell directly to visitors.
What New Things We Will Introduce
City-Wide Weekend Festival Series
- Host rotating “Weekend Colombo” events in different neighbourhoods:
- Music, street food, dancing, art walls, night bazaars.
- Each area gets a turn to shine — building pride and identity.
Micro Playgrounds & Urban Courts
- Convert empty lots, dead public spaces, and rooftops into mini courts for futsal, basketball, netball.
- Target areas where youth hang out with no facilities
Senior Citizen Exercise Zones
- Create safe, open-air fitness corners in parks and neighbourhoods, specially designed for older residents.
- Simple equipment, flat surfaces, benches, and shaded areas
- Promotes health, social connection, and dignity for Colombo’s elders.
Experience Colombo Hubs
- Set up small booths in Galle Face, Pettah, and Fort to:
- Promote local events
- Help tourists book walking tours and tuk-tuk routes
- Distribute maps, storybooks, and recommendations from locals
Crow Island Beach Park Promotions
- Vibrant Youth Events
- Live music, DJ nights, food & art festivals, outdoor movie screenings, night markets, and beach bazaars.
- Digital Buzz
- Social media challenges, TikTok collabs, and Instagrammable murals, neon signs, and scenic photo spots.
- Wellness & Eco Vibes
- Sunrise yoga, fitness sessions, wellness retreats, beach cleanups, and volunteer programs.
- Lifestyle & Vibe
- Themed cafés and eye-catching signage and branding throughout.
