Development project work expedited

Disna Mudalige

Work on development projects related to the Department of National Botanical Gardens and the Department of National Zoological Gardens Botanical Gardens has been expedited, Public Recreation Minister Jayaratne Herath said.

The minister said the delay in the new projects launched by these departments, results in the deprivation of a large income to the government.

The new projects include the Zoological Gardens in Wagolla in Pinnawala, Ridiyagama Safari Park in Hambantota, Ecopark in Kahapola in Piliyandala, Botanical Gardens in Mirijjavila in Hambantota and Wet Zone Botanical Gardens in Awissawella. The minister chairing a progress review meeting at the ministry premises recently, instructed officials to accelerate the development projects.

The new projects once completed are expected to attract a large number of local and foreign visitors, and thereby generate a large income.

Herath instructed officials to complete the construction work of these projects according to the stipulated time frame.

The issues related to the take over of land for these projects and the progress of the projects' future plans were discussed at the meeting.

Labour and Labour Relations Minister Gamini Lokuge also participated.