Colombo to be beautified with plans provided by Surbana Jurong: President

5 August 2023 07:02 pm - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The vision to transform Colombo into a beautiful city is already in motion, with plans provided by Surbana Jurong while similar plans have been prepared for Trincomalee, aiming to enhance the development in that region as well, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

He said Surbana Jurong is also actively involved in creating a tourist zone from Verugal Aru to Batticaloa and Arugam Bay areas, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.

The President made these remarks at an international conference on architecture organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chapter in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Italian Embassy of Sri Lanka, on the theme: "Architecture: A Lasting Impact," held this morning (05) at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, the President's Media Division (PMD) said.

The President said the focus on expanding the tourist industry is expected to create opportunities for non-government universities in Sri Lanka.

The recent enactment of the new Act, allowing Provincial Councils to establish universities, marks the beginning of this endeavour. There is a growing need for skilled professionals, including engineers, architects, IT specialists and others, with the demand estimated to be at least 10,000 engineers alone.

To address these requirements, discussions are underway with Japan, which has shown a willingness to assist in the past. Despite some challenges posed by the recent crisis, the commitment to progress these plans remains strong, with the hope of securing the necessary support to meet the country's developmental needs," he added.

The President also said in visioning the future, the potential for architects to participate in the development of the Port City holds significant promise.

"A notable portion of the Port City land is under government ownership and is slated for diverse utilization. The involvement of the private sector in this initiative offers an added avenue to harness architectural expertise. This exploration requires collaborative dialogues involving relevant chambers and stakeholders.

"These emerging opportunities symbolize valuable prospects for Sri Lanka. Seizing these chances has the potential to establish a notable standing for the nation. It is imperative to acknowledge that as India's progress persists, architectural possibilities might also arise there. Those with established recognition could potentially tap into this market, mirroring the engagement of architects in Africa for house design," he added. (Ajith Siriwardeana)

Comments - 28

Kevin Saturday, 05 August 2023 07:24 PM

Recently visited Colombo and it is a good city. What is lacking is a good integrated public transport system. Trains, Buses and Trams. There should be trains running every 30minutes down south. You should not have to plan, just go to station and catch a train.

RuwanL Saturday, 05 August 2023 08:01 PM

Beautify Colombo on borrowed money?

ROSH Saturday, 05 August 2023 08:10 PM

Of course unelected master debating president now wants Colombo is attracting place . But he loved tobe master debated in the parliament and turned his back on to ex presidents on his double bedroom to stay in power.

THE TRUTH Saturday, 05 August 2023 08:11 PM

SIR, HOW OLD ARE YOU? YOU ARE BORN LIVE, STUDY, AND WORK, AND ONE DAY DIE IN COLOMBO. STILL, YOU HAVE A PLAN AND VISION..?

sss Saturday, 05 August 2023 08:59 PM

Rather than artificial beatification, it is way past due to plant shady trees all around cities and suburbs in SL. Otherwise SL cities will soon reach max tolerable wet bulb temperature

Gb Saturday, 05 August 2023 10:56 PM

How about making sl beautiful for its people, free from corruption/looting, making sure everyone has food and jobs/training for those who are without hope, improve welfare for poor families who don't have access to jobs because of various, there are many things more important, than making a few areas nice looking whilst paying for it with the money of the people, how much money was wasted making certain affluent areas better looking, politicians only want to increase their wealth, bogus projects to increase their property values, everything in sl is a scam

Lanka Saturday, 05 August 2023 11:34 PM

We also love your ambitious program and projects but my dear president while 50% of people are suffering from poverty and struggle find the food three times a day why do you do all this . First feed people and then do all this .

Amaran Sunday, 06 August 2023 12:54 AM

This initiative was commenced by former President GR. This is VERY VITAL to attract tourists. However, people also to a great extend must cooperate. I have seen people spitting on the road after chewing beetle, throwing gabbage etc. Pass a stringent LAW. Keep the GALLE FACE CLEAN ALL THE TIME as tourists love this place.

Ram Sunday, 06 August 2023 04:20 AM

Start of RWs end. Gota too beautified the city and went home and what I see is history repeats

Ram Sunday, 06 August 2023 04:22 AM

Don't we have local experts for this job. Why hire overseas experts.? I believe it may be better commission from overseas experts than from local experts

Jude Sunday, 06 August 2023 04:29 AM

Why we need foreign companies to beautify our country!!???

Rex Jarkie Sunday, 06 August 2023 04:40 AM

give the people to have proper meals than all this shit won't help the people hunger

Jeanne Sunday, 06 August 2023 07:18 AM

As the age old expression goes: "Outside show, inside woe" This show is for the minority who are already wealthy and enjoying a First World lifestyle - either by legal means or otherwise. Sri Lanka can hardly afford such expenses. I don't think the World Bank and other countries to which we went with our begging bowl would be impressed by this ridiculous spending plan. People are starving and struggling to make ends meet and we are spending, nay, wasting money on dressing up a town? What a terrible, terrible idea!

Sumathipala Perera Sunday, 06 August 2023 07:41 AM

After winning no seats in Colombo for your great work in the past 50 years! These are good for tourists and Kinda natthy Cheennu!

Jesus Sunday, 06 August 2023 07:43 AM

Ya ya big talk Talking about improving tourism but keeping colombo fort closed with his so called office.. And heritage site these guys have lost it for keeping there PSD office's n president office in the heritage site . How many properties are going to waste...

Poochie Baba Sunday, 06 August 2023 10:12 AM

First teach our citizens not to throw everything out the window. Get rid of all plastic, and then maybe!!!!

mp Sunday, 06 August 2023 10:55 AM

Full of empty plans and promises.

rbh Sunday, 06 August 2023 11:29 AM

Old thinking status The vision to transform Colombo into a beautiful city. Now the priority is the agriculture and health sector when this is done all sri lanka will be beautiful this is why people don't vote for you.

Gong Baas Sunday, 06 August 2023 12:09 PM

Ranil thinks if Colombo is beautified, the voters of Colombo who made him lose his seat last time , will now change their minds and vote Ranil as No. 1 Candidate with a thumping majority.

Big brother's butler. Sunday, 06 August 2023 06:21 PM

First step to make Sri Lanka like South Korea. Some politicians and officials beauty their life too and skinny people wearing loin cloth will wake on the roads without bathing.

Bernard Jayatilake Monday, 07 August 2023 02:11 AM

Your days in the political scene is numbered and you should be packing by now for the disgraceful exit next year and the not only Colombo but the whole country will undergo a beautification.

Ceylonese Monday, 07 August 2023 05:41 AM

When we don't' even have the knowledge or expertise how to beautify or maintain a city like the hill capital of Sri Lanka Kandy once a tourist paradise of Sri lanka why do we have to heap more burden on ourselves by trying to beautify other parts of the country. Coming on holiday from overseas Kandy once a well planned city before the British left the country 75 years ago currenty looks an eyesore and an utter disgrace. The beautiful parks that once dotted the city are all gone instead shops have popped up all over the place like mushrooms and resembled a shanty town. All the parks and beautiful gardens that existed near the Dalada Maligawa were all gone and barricaded from all sides that you could hardly relax or even take a good picture of the historical tooth relic. .Despite all the conjestion no new roads had been built around the city area in recent times and it was an utter chaos to walk around and needs a complete facelift to bring back the city to it's former glory.

Sambo Monday, 07 August 2023 07:58 AM

Icing on the rotten cake.

RR Monday, 07 August 2023 08:53 AM

DISPLAY PHOTOS OF PARLIAMENTARIANS IN ALL THE WARDS

Gamini Monday, 07 August 2023 09:48 AM

First find an efficient way of collecting and disposing garbage CMC centers where these lorries and scavengers work are a mess. Just check the corner of CMC office at Jinarathna Road, and another one at W.A.Silva MW at Colombo-6

Somapala Kankanigoda Monday, 07 August 2023 11:24 AM

No point of making a golden toilet to an old house without a roof. First make the parliament beautiful with elected people without Kappamas, Bribemen, Rapists, Drug dealers, Bank Robbers, Sugar scammers etc. Then NOT only Colombo, but the whole country will also be BEAUTIFUL!

VJ Monday, 07 August 2023 04:07 PM

Development is only for Colombo, the rest of the country is not Sri Lanka.

N V Jen Monday, 07 August 2023 04:28 PM

Beautification apart, first teach ordinary Sri-Lankan's proper toilet habits. Most of the people misuse and dirty the public toilets in malls, railway stations, bus stations etc. Tourists and health conscious people suffer when compelled to answer the natures call.

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Colombo to be beautified with plans provided by Surbana Jurong: President

Comments - 28

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