Cabinet green-lights amended National Physical Planning Policy and Plan 2048 

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday green-lighted the implementation of the ‘Updated National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan 2048’ presented by Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.

On 2 January 2020, the Cabinet approved the proposal to update the National Physical Plan of Sri Lanka and the ‘National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan 2048’ has been prepared accordingly.  ‘The preparation of the “National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan 2048’ was guided by various key factors, including the proposals outlined in the President’s Throne Speech and Budget Speech, the Government’s policy framework, and the updated data provided by different agencies,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday. 

He also said the plan took into consideration the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report of 2021, highlighting the importance of incorporating climate change considerations into the nation’s long-term planning.

To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach, input was gathered from relevant stakeholders through the Industrial Advisory Committee established under the provisions of the Town and Village Planning (Amendment) Act No. 49 of 2000. The plan also underwent rigorous scrutiny and review by the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on National Physical Planning and the National Physical Planning Council.

The ‘Updated National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan 2048’ sets the stage for strategic land use management, urban development, and environmental protection in Sri Lanka. It also provides a roadmap for sustainable growth, incorporating principles of smart growth, infrastructure development and climate resilience.

“The implementation will be overseen by the Urban Development and Housing Ministry, ensuring proper coordination and monitoring of the policies and strategies outlined in the plan,” he added.