UNP maps out ambitious plan for Colombo and Western Province

The United National Party (UNP) has mapped out an ambitious plan for a huge metropolitan area covering the entire Western Province.

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has told the media the plan included the development of all sectors and the proposal would look at public and private investment partnerships to implement it. 

The plan had initially been submitted to the Board of Investment (BOI) in 2004, but could not be implemented due to the change of government. However, the UNP has said the plan has been restructured to show people the development work planned for the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and other areas in Colombo.

The megapolis plan reportedly includes business centres in the financial district around Pettah, a recreation and entertainment district around the Beira Lake, a shopping district around Slave Island and a harbour front district.

It also includes a comprehensive plan to address the problem of slum dwellers as low-income groups are to be housed in a flats complex that would not exceed more than six floors and a 15-floor flats complex for mid income families. (ColomboPage)