The government has allocated Rs. 65 billion to develop 26 cities across Sri Lanka under the new “Life Cities” Development Programme, aimed at creating safer, people-centred and sustainable urban areas.
The programme was officially launched in Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in line with the 2026 Budget proposal for a new approach to urban development.
Under the first phase, 10 cities — Matara, Batticaloa, Matale, Vavuniya, Badulla, Jaffna, Chilaw, Hatton, Thalawa and Eheliyagoda — have been selected for development.
Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake said Rs. 65 billion had been allocated for the development of 26 cities across the country, with further allocations to be based on progress.
“We have already allocated the necessary funds. Start the work from tomorrow,” Rathnayake told local government representatives, adding that subsequent funding would depend on progress demonstrated by mayors.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya said urban development should not be limited to constructing buildings, arguing that cities must provide safety and a sense of belonging for everyone, including animals.
She said Sri Lanka’s urban areas had largely developed without proper planning and claimed 44.5% of the population lives in such areas.
The Prime Minister also stressed that cities selected for the programme should be chosen through a transparent scoring system and that development plans should recognise the individual identity of each city.
“A city is not a concrete jungle,” she said, adding that development should consider both the people and animals living within urban areas.
Project plans for the first 10 cities were handed over to their respective local government representatives during the launch.
The programme will focus on people-centred and sustainable development, with local authorities expected to play a key role in implementing individual plans for each city. (Newswire)
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