A Disneyland for Sri Lanka – By GEORGE BRAINE
This idea, apparently put forth by a somewhat controversial MP, has been criticized and even ridiculed. But, I believe a local Disneyland deserves serious consideration.
Currently, Disneyland(s), which are theme parks, operate in five countries – the USA, France, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. A theme park is defined as “a large permanent area for public entertainment, with entertaining activities and big machines to ride on or play games on, restaurants, etc., all connected with a single subject”. I was living in Hong Kong when the idea of a local Disneyland was proposed to counteract the economic collapse in the late 90s, and saw it come to fruition.
Eventually, an agreement was reached with Disney, and the Hong Kong government invested $3.2 billion for 57% stake, and Disney invested $314 million for the balance 43%. Disney would manage the park. About half of Hong Kong’s investment went to land reclamation and site development. A special mass transit railway line was built to reach the site.
In addition to locals, visitors came mainly from Mainland China, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. The highest number of visitors was in 2014, at 7.5 million. The numbers from China declined after the opening of Shanghai’s Disneyland in 2016.
Because of its location, a Disneyland in Sri Lanka would attract millions of visitors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, as well as from East Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Because no land reclamation is needed, the cost of construction could be controlled.
Hong Kong is a small territory of only 500 square miles. Hence, most foreign visitors do not linger, instead flying in and out with perhaps an overnight stay. In contrast, Sri Lanka has much to offer, and, with proper marketing, visitors could be induced to stay longer.
Disneyland will bring hundreds of thousands of jobs, in terms of direct and indirect employment. The hotel and local travel industry will see a boom. Finally, Sri Lanka’s image will see a dramatic improvement, and attract tourists in large numbers.
I can think of two possible locations. Hambantota comes to mind, with an airport and hotels within driving distance. The other is the Mannar area, which badly needs a boost in terms of economic development. The Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar ferry service could be revived and modernized to provide a faster service, and the Jaffna airport could be made truly international.
The main issue, of course, is the funding. Sri Lanka is bankrupt, so only the provision of the site and perhaps some investment in the infrastructure may be Sri Lanka’s contribution. Foreign funds will be needed. Incentives such as long term leases, with tax holidays, will have to be offered. The project will not be ruined by Sri Lanka’s endemic corruption because the management will be in Disney’s hands.
Negotiations will have to be at the highest levels, and not in the hands of inexperienced politicians. I hope the government will take the Disneyland proposal seriously, before a neighboring country takes the initiative.
GEORGE BRAINE
