National Physical Planning Policy 2048 seeks public input for sustainable development

The Urban Develo-pment and Housing Ministry have initiated the process of gathering public input for the National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan 2048. This move aims to engage citizens in shaping the country’s future development strategies and ensure they align with the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2048, as envisioned by the ‘Planned, Sustained, and Prosperous Nation’ initiative.

The National Physical Planning Policy serves as a guiding framework for all development agencies in Sri Lanka. Its primary objective is to provide comprehensive national-level guidance for the planning and execution of development activities that directly impact the country’s physical environment. This encompasses the establishment of facilities, amenities, and service-related infrastructure essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity. It is widely acknowledged that a nation’s health, wealth, and power are reflected in its physical environment. 

Therefore, a well-organised efficiently managed, and effectively utilised physical environment is not merely an option but a necessity in Sri Lanka’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2048. The policy aims to facilitate a green economy and enhance the country’s liveability, economic prosperity, and political stability.

The National Physical Planning Policy is structured around four key components:

Conservation of the ‘Critical’ and the ‘Unique’: This component emphasises the preservation and sustainability of unique environmental settings, water resources, natural ecosystems, and cultural landscapes in all development activities.

Promotion of ‘Livability’: It focuses on selecting environments suitable for human habitation based on favourable climatic conditions, safety from disasters, and the availability of essential services and resources.

Optimisation of ‘Utility’: Rather than embarking on entirely new ventures, this component encourages the optimisation of available resources and infrastructure, considering economic constraints and the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goals

Exploration of ‘Potentials’ and ‘Enhancement’ of Use: This component encourages the exploration of locations with human resources, other resources like natural reserves, scenic settings, and areas with competitive advantages for diversified developments.

The proposed National Physical Plan - 2048 includes key features such as environmentally sensitive areas (central, coastal, and isolated), a protected area network, economic axes for efficient resource utilisation, a settlement hierarchy, and the development of marine and aquatic resources.

To achieve development objectives and fulfil the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the plan identifies policies and strategies for key sectors. It also addresses past implementation challenges and proposes solutions to overcome them.

The Ministry invites the public to submit written comments on the National Physical Planning Policy before 27 September 2023, to the Director-General of the National Physical Planning Department. This public engagement marks a significant step in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s sustainable development and the realisation of its vision for a ‘Planned, Sustained, and Prosperous Nation’ by 2048.