Forecasting the requirements of managing a world heritage site to compete in an international environment and considering the possibilities of exploring the huge potential it has in tourism, academic and R&D work, Board of Management of GHF worked with NAAL on establishing an information database and a digital management system using spatial science. An expert team, appointed by NAAL studied the requirements and submitted a report to NAAL and GHF on implementing the project and its challenges.

The expert team, consisting of representations from NAAL, GHF and Technical Experts from private sector, carried out a three-day trial session for capturing high accuracy Photogrammetric data capturing to practically experience the viability of establishing an initial date base and started working with GHF stakeholders in creating the database. Their contributions in this preliminary work is valued around SLR 5 million (US$ 15000) and the investment was shared by NAAL, GHF and relevant private sector participants.

A 3D model of the Galle Fort is already created and a basic information required for the database in now being processed. The project is planned to complete in three stages as shown below;

Project Stage 1 - During this stage it is required to gather information from all stakeholders for a complete database and prepare a sample database with the captured data gathered during the preliminary stage. Further it is required to work out a full-scale feasibility study of the total project in collaboration with a potential partner and/or an interested party. Details are discussed in the item 10 in the report. The estimated cost for this stage would be around SLR 10 million (US$ 30,000). During this stage GHF seek a potential partner to work with GHF on sharing benefits basis.

Project Stage 2 - Establishment an advanced live heritage management site with virtual reality experience for stakeholders. The work scope covers introducing a complete digitalized management system with including staff training, purchase of equipment/software, providing online services to stakeholders and providing R&D facilities to academics/interested parties etc., Details are discussed in the item 11 in the report. Upon completion of the feasibility study planned in the stage1, cost and time frame of stage 2 can be determined.

Project Stage 3 - The work done during the preliminary stage proves that the local resources have the capabilities of offering technical inputs for the project. They will need modern equipment and licensed software to complete the works. Further GHF need the support from an experienced "International Live Heritage Site Management" to establish and maintain the sustainability of the project once it is implemented. With the digitalized and very efficient service provider to national and international client, it is essential to offer services of GHF to their stakeholders an uninterrupted service. Also, during this stage GHF will work with partners on the possibility of exploring underwater treasures such as wrecked ships, coral reefs, other related "sea" experiences attached to Galle Fort.

Therefore, GHF seek a partner on the basis of a joint venter, investor or on a suitable partnership to work together to make the project a success.

As requested by the Director General of the Department of National Museums, ten display cupboards were manufactured and supplied to DPM at a cost of Rs 2.9 million. These were funded using DPM furniture project fund. These cupboard designs were supplied by the DPM officers and produced with the supervision of DPM officers. All cupboards were supplied before the end of December and the management of DPM must do some interior work before start displaying artifacts. Brass or stainless-steel name boards will be fixed on all display cupboards under the name of NAAL mentioning the donation. NAAL appreciates the assistance given by the officers of DPM to complete the Project.