National physical plan launch on Nov. 15

Ridma Dissanayake

Construction,Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa stated that the National Physical Plan of Sri Lanka will be launched on November 15 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The launching ceremony will take place at the BMICH.

"The war in the country has ended and now we are living in a peaceful environment. Because of that there is a need to move forward according to a formal plan.",the minister said.

According to the minister this plan will guide Sri Lanka's physical development up to 2030. All physical development activities will be directed by the National Physical Plan and Policy which provides the required guidelines for the development of the country.

The minister was addressing a special press briefing on the National Physical Plan held at the Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Ministry, yesterday.

The national plan was prepared by the National Physical Planning Department in accordance with the provisions in terms of Section 03 of the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act No.49 of 2000.

This aims to formulate National Physical Policies,Plans and Strategies and to ensure and monitor the implementation of such National Policies and Plans through regional and local plans with the objective of promoting and regulating integrated planning of economic,social, physical and environmental aspects of land and territorial waters of Sri Lanka.

This is the first National Physical Plan which to be launched after independence. Since 1948 various types of development plans and proposals have been implemented by various governments from time to time. But those governments had prepared several development plans while ignoring the previous development plans and some of those plans clashed with each other.

The President has carefully considered the need for an operational plan to take the country forward.

In this situation the requirement of a National Physical Policy for sustainable development through the integrated sectoral and regional development was identified,Minister Weerawansa further said.

An exhibition will also be held at the BMICH to make the public aware about the National Physical Plan of Sri Lanka. It will be held from November 14 evening to November 15.