Our goals should be to preserve and promote SL’s unique identity – Defence Secy

In terms of urban development, town planning and architecture, one of our critical goals should be to preserve and promote Sri Lanka’s unique cultural, historical and environmental identity, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said on Thursday.

“Sri Lanka is presently is striving for rapid economic growth built upon the foundation of peace. We should realise that Sri Lanka is an attractive destination for foreign investment as well as tourists when compared to many other parts of the world. The challenge before us today is to make sure that we highlight this attractiveness in every way possible. If this is done properly, more and more tourists will choose to visit Sri Lanka and more and more foreign businesses will choose to invest here”, he said delivering key note address at the National Conference on Architecture 2012.

This year’s conference was held under the theme of ‘Regenerating Sri Lanka: the Architect and the Built Environment’ at the BMICH.

The Secretary went on to explain, “Improving the quality of the open public spaces within the urban areas is a matter of some priority. People should be able to go for walks, exercise, relax and interact in open spaces within the city.”

“To further encourage the enhancement of urban areas outside the large cities, the Urban Development Authority is being decentralised to the Provincial and subsequently the District level,” he added.