Pettah Floating Market

[3] Engineering units from the Sri Lanka Army in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority transformed Bastian Street, the street linking the Central Bus Stand in Pettah and the Colombo Fort railway station, into a green environment.

The Sri Lanka Navy rehabilitated the polluted canal running alongside Bastian Street.

The unique simple architecture of the stalls along the canal, designed by Thushari Kariyawasam, with grey cemented floors and minimalistic décor, tries to reflect the calm and undisturbed water of lake.

[5][6] One of the objectives of the development was to relocate unlicensed street vendors off the footpaths, particularly in congested areas like the Pettah, where they had no facilities and were forcing pedestrians onto the road.

[9] Traders have also criticised the open nature of the stalls and boats, which restrict their ability to secure their goods overnight.