The final draft of the Greater Kandy Comprehensive Urban Plan was unveiled and presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President’s House in Kandy yesterday (17).
This visionary plan aims at transforming Kandy into a well-planned, organized and developed city.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized 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, emphasizing the need to elevate Kandy into a modern city with improved infrastructure facilities and services.
Recognizing 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.
A committee comprising key stakeholders and experts was formed and tasked with the responsibility of crafting a Comprehensive Development Plan under the leadership of the Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake.
The development plan, initially discussed with Ministers representing the Kandy district, including the Central Province Governor, has undergone additional scrutiny, incorporating feedback and suggestions. The final draft, meticulously prepared by the Urban Development Authority, was officially presented to the President today.
The development plan underwent thorough review, with the President emphasizing the imperative to execute development initiatives that concurrently uphold the historical and cultural heritage of Kandy city while prioritizing 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 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.
Following the deliberation on the Kandy city development plan, a discourse pertaining to the development plan of Akurana city was also held. President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued instructions to officials for the comprehensive submission of a report concerning the development of Akurana city within a stipulated time frame of six weeks.
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