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| Friday, 13 June 2003 |
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by Tharika Goonathilake A massive development programme, now being drawn up, envisages megapolis status for Colombo by 2025 when it is projected to have a population of 8.5 million. A team of Singaporean experts is currently in Sri Lanka to assist the Government's mega development initiative to bring the Western region and Colombo, the heart and hub of the country, to the standards of other international cities. The team comprising international consultants from CESMA, the Singapore Government undertaking, is working with local experts to develop a blueprint for the massive facelift. The development drive, named 'Megapolis Colombo-2025' is part of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's vision to promote Colombo as the 'most liveable city in South Asia' by 2025 encompassing due environmental conservation and development goals, Central Environmental Authority Chairman Ajith De Costa told the Daily News yesterday. The team is here to assist with technicalities as well as zoning to incorporate the proposed infrastructure development to accommodate the projected 8.5 million population base. The development plan incorporating the requisite infrastructure to accommodate expanding population needs, development necessities and environmental conservation goals, is the first of its kind in the country, he said. Encompassing an area from Kalutara to Negombo and Avissawella, the development plan foresees the necessary expansion that is needed to make 'Megapolis Colombo 2025' a reality, he said. According to the Chairman, one of the key features of the plan is its emphasis for conserving the large number of wetlands facing increasing threats from ad-hoc development. |
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