Battaramulla to get 13 storey office complex

The second phase of establishing the administrative capital in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte was started with the cutting of the first sod of earth for the foundation of a 13 storeyed office complex to be built at Sethsiripaya grounds in Battaramulla on Wednesday.

Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Deputy Minister Rohana Dissanayaka cut the first sod of earth to excavate the foundation of the building. Minister Gunawardena said the proposal to mark Sri Jayewardenepura the administrative capital had been delayed for several reasons. However, his Ministry has been able to formulate a practical plan to establish the administrative capital.

The cost of erecting a 13 storey office complex is Rs. 4 billion and it will have all modern facilities to provide the staff with a suitable environment for work. This large scale building will be put up with local expertise, local engineers and builders so that the local buildings sector would benefit by it.

Under President Mahinda Rajapaksa's policy major engineering works were handed over to local engineers and builders and this massive office complex was only one of the several large scale projects that will be completed within a specific time frame, the Minister said.

Deputy Minister Rohana Dissanayaka said it was essential to give public servants an opportunity to resolve people's problems expeditiously in pursuance of President Rajapaksa's policy. Ministry Secretary Dr.Prathap Ramanujam, Director General Prasanna Silva, Project Director Renuka Wickramasinghe and Project Manager Dr. M.V. Joachim were also present.