Colombo to undergo massive redevelopment

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

A massive redevelopment programme to modernise Colombo city and its suburbs will be launched by the government following a proposal made by President Mahinda Rajapksa as Defence and Urban Development Minister, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

In accordance with the Colombo city development master plan prepared by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), many development activities will be implemented. Accordingly, Independence Square and old Dutch hospital building in Colombo Fort will be modernised, refurbished and developed. In addition, the Fort area including the Beira lake and its surrounding will be developed.

Besides, development of Pettah bus terminal reserving commercial areas for pavement hawkers have already been completed. Meanwhile, the UDA has identified several projects to be implemented on a priority basis. Under this programme the old Market at Colombo Fort will be renovated. Race Course Grounds and Bloomfield grounds will be developed to cater to the public interest. The former fish market will be refurbished while the Manning market will be relocated to Peliyagoda.

The existing Manning market premises will be redeveloped for the expansion of the bus stand and to accommodate the informal sector with a commercial complex area. The construction work of these projects will be entrusted to the Engineering Services Divisions of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force to minimise costs. The government will allocate the funds, Minister Rambukwella said.