Singapore-based retailer One World Duty Free (ODF) has tied up with Port City Colombo to open Sri Lanka’s first duty-free store in the heart of Sri Lanka.

The partnership, which will see ODF develop Port City Colombo into a global duty-free retail destination, is expected to include wine and spirits sold at Port City Duty Free Mall, marking ODF’s first move out of Singapore.

According to reports from Insider Retailconstruction of the ODF store will begin in the middle of this year, with expectations that it will be trading by the end of the year.

Director General of the Economic Commission for Port City Colombo Priyath B. Wickrama said: “We recognize a level of ambition in our Port City Colombo partners that is perfectly aligned with One World Duty Free’s game-changing approach to duty-free retail.”

ODF has revealed that its plans for the Port City Colombo store will provide visitors with a shopping experience that is expected to be enhanced by smart retail.

Speaking about the partnership, Wickrama added, “The opportunity to showcase our credentials on the global stage and contribute to the creation of an iconic destination in Asia is a key milestone in One World Duty Free’s gradual expansion across Asia.”