Hambantota being developed as second commercial city

Shirley Wijesinghe

The City of Hambantota, which has been identified as a remote city in the country is being developed as a second commercial city of the country opening air and sea destinations to the world, Urban Development and Sacred Areas Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardane said.

Commenting on the "Visal Hambantota" town plan which has been prepared to develop Hambantota city, Minister Gunawardane said that the plan will specially focus on the development of the present city area and adjacent Pradeshiya Sabha area of Hambantota for the commercial and basic public needs related with proposed Hambantota Commercial Harbour, Udamaththala Air Port and Siribopura residencial area.

As an initial step, an administration Complex is being constructed at a cost Rs. 3,015 million to bring scattered public offices in several locations under one roof.

An International Conference Hall with seating facilities for 1,500 is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,700 million, the Minister said.

To provide the basic needs of the public, the City of Siribopura will be developed as a new auxiliary city too, according to the Minister Dinesh Gunawardane.

In addition, the city coastal area of Hambantota will be given a facelift as an attractive tourist resort on a pre identified 22 hectares. All cultural monuments will be conserved and opened for display to the public, he said. The Urban Development Authority has already drafted a plan to overcome the challenges in the development activities of Hambantota under the concept of "Visal Hambantota" which has been prepared under the direction of Minister Dinesh Gunawardane.