Petta Floating Markets is located at Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, a part of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Beyond the busy main streets of Colombo Petta, this is a place where tourists can enjoy the tranquility and calm water. The floating market serves as a tourist attraction selling local products and local handicrafts. It consists of 92 stalls and many booths on the Beira Lake boats.
One of the objectives of the development was to relocate unlicensed street vendors off the footpaths. The development and beautification of the floating market were carried out by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the cost was Rs. 150 million. The Sri Lanka Army’s engineering units, in collaboration with the UDA, transformed Bastian Street, Pettah Central Bus Stand, and Colombo Fort Railway Station into a greener environment.
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Trees were planted, making the street more green and lively. The stunningly simple architecture of the stalls along the canal, designed by the young architect with gray cement floors and minimal decor, tries to reflect the calm and tranquil waters of the lake. The market was officially opened by Mr. Maithripala Sirisena on 25 August 2014.
There are two entrances to the floating market, the main entrance, and the side entrance. Large carved wooden arches on the main entrance are declared floating market. The booths include clothing and shoe stores, food stalls, several small general stores, accessory stores, and electronic stores. The Pettah Float Market is a great place to visit and is quite photogenic.
