Modern city complex close to Galle Face

Work begins in May:

Irangika Range

Work to reclaim 450 acres of sea area opposite Galle Face to construct a new commercial city will commence in May.

Under this project, the sea is to be filled with earth beginning from the breakwater of the Colombo South Harbour to Galle Face opposite the Presidential Secretariat (Former Parliament Building). The modern city will be a separate administration unit. The proposed offshore city is to be divided into three segments including business, residential and leisure.

It will be developed into a modern city with high rises, hotels, residential apartments, shopping malls, and other space to cater to the public needs.

Meanwhile, buildings to be constructed in the new city are to be above 35 stories. The sources said that the proposed modern city, a concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, will be equipped with advanced infrastructure facilities reducing congestion, traffic jams, lack of space for parking and pollution.

The sources said a feasibility and environment impact assessment study were conducted before embarking on the project.

The project has already received approval for environmental issues and construction is expected to commence shortly. The project is to be completed in three years.

He said that Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Urban Development Authority and Lanka Hydraulic Institute are involved in planning and implementing the project.