Galle City Center (GCC) has opened (Photos)

Marking a historic milestone in the Southern Province, Sri Lanka's highly anticipated newest ultra-modern shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, Galle City Centre (GCC), was officially opened on March 28, 2026. This magnificent nine-story building, constructed in the heart of Galle city, has created a true "Gamperaliya" (transformation/revolution) in the region, bringing a collection of world-class retail, hospitality, and leisure experiences under one roof for the first time to the Southern Province.

Located in the Pettigalawatta area on Old Matara Road, this elegant complex is the brainchild of visionary Sri Lankan entrepreneur Mr. Hemantha Gamage and his wife, Mrs. Anusha Gamage. Designed by KWA Architects under the theme "A Flavor of the Heritage by the Ocean," its interior draws inspiration from Galle's coastline, colonial history, and the Indian Ocean. Spanning 135,000 to 162,000 square feet, the building is fully air-conditioned and features high-speed elevators, modern escalators, and ample parking facilities.

The first to sixth floors of this complex are entirely dedicated to fashion, modern tech accessories, electronics, and food and beverages from both local and international brands. It houses leading stores such as Liberty Store, Moose Clothing, and The Central, as well as a separate food court and a gaming zone. To mark the opening week, special discounts of up to 50% are offered through People's Bank from March 28 to April 5, 2026, with individual stores also launching various promotional programs.

In addition to shopping, the upper floors of the building are reserved for a 4-star luxury hotel with 35 beautifully appointed rooms offering sea and city views. Furthermore, it includes a superb rooftop restaurant with captivating views of Galle's coastline and the city, exclusive cinemas, live performance stages, chic lounges, an ultra-modern banquet hall suitable for weddings or corporate events, and a penthouse suite.

On the opening day, a large crowd gathered at the venue, generating significant buzz across social media. Prominent figures like Dudley Sirisena and social media influencers attended the event, and videos and photos showing crowded stores and a festive atmosphere are rapidly circulating on social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. This massive modern shopping complex, built to target international tourists visiting Galle Fort and the coastline, as well as local residents, is expected to significantly boost the region's tourism industry, local economy, and job creation.