President calls for streamlined urban development

Thursday, 13 March 2025 00:04 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.

COMMENTS

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.