President opens second phase of Administrative Complex

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday opened the second phase of the construction of the Administrative Complex at Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla as part of the government's initiative to turn Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte into the country's administrative capital.

Colombo, the economic capital is being developed as the commercial hub of South Asia.

The Urban Development Authority is the constructor of the second phase of the administrative complex, which provides office space for nine ministries which will be relocated in the same building complex. Economic Development, Civil Aviation, Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Technology and Research, Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, Social Services, National Heritage, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Public Management Reforms Ministries will be housed in the new administrative complex.

The government spent Rs 32.5 billion for the 14 storeyed administrative complex with 36,808,330 square feet space.

The building complex has been constructed in conformity with international standards. It is equipped with modern facilities such as, an audio visual auditorium, surveillance camera system within and outside the complex and easy accessibility for the differently- abled. The building comprises a waste water treatment plant and solar power system. Sunlight will be utilised to light up the building during day time and special attention has been paid to electricity conservation. The high-tech solar power system will reduce electricity consumption. The building could be categorised as environment friendly.

Addressing the gathering, Water Supply and Rural Community Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said it is a significant construction in the modern city development phase.

The building will help reduce traffic congestion since nine Ministries will be located at one site away from the Colombo city. The minister noted the valuable services of the Defence Secretary, the architect of the ongoing Colombo beautification programme.