Greater Kandy comprehensive urban plan presented to President

• Govt. to hold discussions with JICA to accelerate development activities

In a momentous event held at the President’s House in Kandy on Sunday, the final draft of the Greater Kandy comprehensive urban plan was unveiled and presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This visionary plan, aimed at transforming Kandy into a well-planned, organised and developed city.

In the course of the discussion, President Wickremesinghe emphasised his commitment to engage in consultations with JICA to expedite pertinent development activities. 

The journey towards this ground-breaking urban transformation initiative began in February 2023 when President Wickremesinghe submitted a proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers, emphasising the need to elevate Kandy into a modern city with improved infrastructure facilities and services. 

Recognising the significance of this endeavour, the Cabinet of Ministers gave its approval for the establishment of a special committee tasked with crafting a comprehensive development plan for the Katugasthota, Kandy and Kundasale areas.

Under the capable leadership of the Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, a committee comprising key stakeholders and experts was formed and tasked with the responsibility of crafting a comprehensive development plan.

The development plan, initially discussed with Ministers representing the Kandy district, including the Governor of the Central Province, has undergone additional scrutiny, incorporating feedback and suggestions. The final draft, meticulously prepared by the Urban Development Authority, was officially presented to the President.

The development plan underwent thorough review, with the President emphasising the imperative to execute development initiatives that concurrently uphold the historical and cultural heritage of Kandy city while prioritising the enhancement of public infrastructure.

Additionally, the President revealed plans to allocate certain universities to be established in the country to the city of Kandy, envisioning its transformation into a future educational hub.

Following the deliberation on the Kandy city development plan, a discourse pertaining to the development plan of Akurana city was also held. President Wickremesinghe issued instructions to officials for the comprehensive submission of a report concerning the development of Akurana city within a stipulated timeframe of six weeks.

State Minister Dilum Amunugama, Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage, MPs Rauf Hakeem, A.H.M. Halim, M. Velukumar, Former Minister Malik Samarawickrama, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Prime Minister’s Secretary Anura Dissanayake, Central Province Chief Secretary Ajith Premasinghe, Kandy District Secretary Chandana Thennakoone, Kandy Former Mayor Kesara Senanayake, Kandy Municipal Commissioner Ishan Wijethilaka, Assistant Director of the Urban Development Authority of Central Province Nishamani Abeyratne, and other distinguished individuals, including local politicians, officials, chairpersons of relevant line institutions and senior officers from the security department, graced the occasion with their presence.