The newly constructed Colombo Port Health Office, designed by Design Consortium International (DCIL), was inaugurated on 28 July 2026.
Constructed through a grant from the Government of Japan and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations (UN) agency, the project strengthens Sri Lanka’s health infrastructure and emergency preparedness, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s public health and border health security.
Conceived as a compact yet highly functional facility, the building embodies a design philosophy that balances operational efficiency with contemporary architectural expression. Built on a small site to meet highly specific client requirements, the Colombo Port Health Office sets a benchmark for efficient, self-contained office buildings in Sri Lanka.
“In addition to meeting the client’s specific requirements, the building had to be constructed within the Port of Colombo under strict security conditions and in a challenging marine environment. It also had to be completed within a very short timeframe,” said Design Consortium International Managing Director, Architect Migara Alwis.
Technology played a key role in the project, with the entire structure built using a pre-engineered hybrid building system to accelerate construction while ensuring durability in the harsh marine environment.
“The façade, including the glass and exterior finishes, incorporates advanced materials with self-cleaning properties and heat-reducing surfaces designed to withstand the corrosive marine environment. The internal space planning has also been carried out very efficiently to maximise functionality and meet the client’s operational requirements,” Alwis added.
The inauguration was attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation Weththige Wasantha Saddha Mangala, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan Shinichi Sakurai, Second Secretary Takuto Yamazaki, Senior Economic Cooperation Officer Duleesha Hettiarachchi, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. S.M. Arnold, and Director General of Quarantine Dr. Yasoma Weerasekara.
