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Colombo gets facelift with two new projects

by Manjula Fernando

Two development projects aimed at making Colombo the most beautiful city in South Asia started yesterday.

A Marine Recreational Development project starting from the right end of Galle Face and extending up to the Lighthouse and phase two of the Beira Lake Restoration project were launched by Ports, Aviation and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Urban Development and Water Supply Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The two city enhancement projects are jointly implemented by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Urban Development Authority.

"The two projects will enhance the image of our main commercial city, while increasing recreational facilities," Minister Samaraweera said after inaugurating the first project at Galle Face Green.

An "underwater world", a marine esplanade and a marine museum will be built under the marine recreational development project to be completed within two years. Under phase one, a public square will be set up at the Colombo Lighthouse.

"This project will be implemented in three stages and the development of Chaithya Lane as a recreational venue is included in the final phase to be completed by December 2006," Minister Samaraweera said.

The second phase of the Beira Lake restoration project to be completed at year end includes a park encircling the lake at Gangaramaya and a recreation centre in the island. The plan also includes a boating facility and a string of restaurants around the lake.

The lake project jointly funded by Urban Development Authority, the SLPA and SriLankan Airlines is expected to cost Rs.100 million. Minister Gunawardena said the Government was committed to make Colombo clean and attractive.

"We are happy to launch the two projects coinciding with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's birthday," he added.

The Beira Lake restoration project was initially implemented in 1999 by the UDA with World Bank assistance.

Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, SriLankan Airlines Country Manager Peter Hill, Ports and Aviation Deputy Ministers Dilan Perera and Dayasritha Tissera, Tourist Board Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara, Project Director Hemantha Jayasundera and Colombo District MP Mervyn Silva were also present.

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