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The state minister for urban development and housing Dr Nalaka Godahewa  revealed in the recently held investor forum the government’s ambitious multi million dollar plan for the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka.  

In the forum the state minister was keen on demonstrating to both local and  foreign investors that the Colombo Port City would not be the only place of  investment and that the entire country in itself if an investors paradise.  

According to the plans proposed Colombo, Hambantota, Jaffna and Trincomalee  will be considered as the 4 main commercial cities and would see the  constructions of even airports and harbours to facilitate future commercial  activities. Cities such as Kandy, Anuradhapure, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Galle,  Badulla, Mannar, Batticalo and Kurunegala were classified as national cities  focusing on their historical significance in developing the economy. A 3rd level of  classification as connecting cities were also introduced which as its name points  out connects the commercial and national cities together, the proposed cities to  be considered under this category include Puttalam, Negambo, Pottuvil,  Dambulla, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Buttala. The integration of these cities  would result in the development of ‘agro industrialization’ as referenced by the  minister.  

The minister also talked about the government’s continuing commitment for the  development of the road networks and stated that they hope to build over 100  000 km of alternate routes. A well maintained road network would prove vital to  ensure fast access and connectivity between the major commercial hubs and  other areas. 

Dr Godahewa also drew attention to many other plans of the government such  as the development of real estate. He stated that according to a roadmap  developed by the Urban Development Council they intend to classify areas into  3 main development clusters namely real estate and townships, tourism &  leisure and finally Logistics and Transportations hubs. The minister also stated  that the government hopes to complete over 300 000 housing units in the form  of multi-story apartment complexes by 2025. 

The minister went on to elaborate further on the government’s plans to further  enhance the tourism industry across the nation and called for continuing  support from both local and foreign investors to make Sri Lanka Asia’s new  miracle.