ACTIVE COLOMBO

Cities that thrive in the 21st century are not only productive — they are active, healthy, green and liveable. Across the world, City leadership are redefining urban success by how walkable, breathable, inclusive and vibrant their cities are.

A century ago Colombo was deliberately planned as a “garden city”, with administrators planting avenues of trees to beautify the city and cool its streets. They introduced both indigenous and exotic shade trees along major boulevards so that Colombo would “bloom in a riot of color throughout the year” and offer relief from the tropical sun. Leafy avenues like Reid Avenue in Cinnamon Garden is still lined with massive Nuga (banyan) and Andara trees dating back to that era.

#ShadeTheRoad Program will focus on road side tree planting to build tree canopy for shade to encourage movement. The result is both social and economic with increase spend in the high street reaching MSME and increased tourist activity.

Colombo stands at a historic inflection point. With new waterfronts, parks, public spaces, urban infrastructure and global active lifestyle events such as IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo. City now has the rare opportunity to shape itself as South Asia’s most active and liveable capital city — a city where people move, play, breathe, and belong.

#ShadeTheRoad Commitment 
•    Collect public commitment engagement towards #ShadeTheRoad 
•    Restore roadside tree cover
•    Create cooler, walkable streets
•    Inspire a daily walking culture