The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the Polonnaruwa District Secretariat, has launched the Rs. 100 million 'Parakum Legacy' tourism village project in July 2026, aimed at diversifying the ancient kingdom's tourism offerings beyond core archaeological sites. The project establishes an artisanal and agro-tourism village near the banks of the Parakrama Samudra, featuring 35 traditional handicraft stalls, an organic spice demonstration garden, and a value-addition processing center for locally grown traditional rice varieties and herbal products. Local artisans and women-led cooperative societies have been allocated dedicated commercial space within the village, backed by micro-credit facilities to expand production of traditional brassware, wood carvings, and woven reed crafts distinct to the North Central Province. Project planners confirmed that the village layout incorporates traditional eco-friendly architecture using clay, thatch, and timber structures designed to blend seamlessly with Polonnaruwa's historical environment. Tourism officials highlighted that Parakum Legacy creates direct market access for rural producers, encouraging international and domestic heritage tourists to extend their stay in Polonnaruwa while directly supporting local community livelihoods.