President calls for streamlined urban development

President Anura 

Kumara Dissanayake 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday engaged in a high-level discussion on the progress of key Urban Development Authority (UDA) projects, emphasising the urgent need for a more efficient and sustainable approach to urban planning. 

He made these remarks during a review meeting with the officials of the UDA, held at the Presidential Secretariat. 

The meeting focused on the ongoing development projects and ensured the efficient use of Budget allocations. 

Acknowledging the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, President Dissanayake called for streamlined processes, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public-private collaboration to drive modernisation while preserving environmental and social balance. 

The discussion focused on accelerating ongoing initiatives, removing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring that urban development aligns with the country’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

A key focus of the meeting was expediting urban planning approvals through an online system, ensuring better coordination with relevant institutions. Currently, development plans have been drafted for 119 cities across the country, and officials explored strategies for their swift implementation while addressing existing challenges.

The review covered multiple aspects of urban development, including capital investment, the execution of Government-approved projects, the formulation of a national urban land-use policy, and agreements for new initiatives. 

Additionally, discussions were held on resuming abandoned projects, improving environmental standards, enhancing building engineering regulations, and optimising the UDA’s operational functions.

The meeting was attended by Urban Development, Construction and Housing Minister Anura Karunatilaka, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, UDA Chairman L.B. Kumudu Lal, and a team of UDA officials.