Independence Square area, D.R. Wijewardena Mw vested with UDA for redevelopment

The Government yesterday announced that State land in and around the Independence Square as well as D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha in Colombo would be vested with the Urban Development Authority (UDA) for redevelopment.

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the move on a proposal made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence and Urban Development.

The Government said the UDA would undertake the project to refurbish old buildings in the Independence Square area, while preserving the original architectural features.

Accordingly, the Race Course Ground including the Grand Stand and the Mini Stand buildings, Bloomfield play ground, and the Auditor General Dept’s property including the premises occupied by the Government Analyst Department will be released to the UDA for overall development of the area.

The development also includes the acquisition of 56 perches of land already included in to the Race Course playground development.

The State lands at D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10, will be for tourism-related activities, in line with the ongoing Colombo City Development Program. The UDA has already earmarked 7.5 acres of land on D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha to construct a 350-metre high multifunctional TV and communication tower (Lotus Tower) with a revolving restaurant and many other entertainment activities.