• Cabinet nod to limit construction of buildings above four storeys in Nuwara Eliya from 1 May
• Approves appointing Task Force to come up with Master Plan

The Government has begun preparation work on a master plan for developing Nuwara Eliya to preserve the scenic beauty and ban the construction of buildings above four storeys in the major tourist city.

The move aims to put an end to the unplanned spreading out of buildings in Nuwara Eliya which is included in the Government’s New Town Development Plan and Nuwara Eliya Tourism Plan.

“President Wickremesinghe in his recent visit to Nuwara Eliya emphasised the importance of developing the district as a striking city that can attract tourists throughout the year. He also insisted on plans prioritising to create a pleasant environment for tourists to relax rather than focusing on constructing large and tall buildings,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the Cabinet of Ministers approved the appointment of a task force to come up with the Master Plan for Nuwara Eliya and to limit the construction of new buildings above four storeys in the Nuwara Eliya district from 1 May.

The task force will be headed by the Governor of the Central Provinces under the coordination of the President’s Office with the contribution of all relevant parties. The Urban Development Authority has been given authority to issue required regulations stipulated by its Act.

Nicknamed “Little England” due to its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, Nuwara Eliya boasts a landscape far more dramatic than Britain’s and is known for some of its popular attractions, which include; Moon Plains, Horton Plains National Park, Lover’s Leap Falls, Ambewela Farms.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Wickremesinghe and was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday. 

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