The Urban Development Authority (UDA) today (16) officially launched the ‘Mother Lanka’ Digital Platform under the Ministry of Urban Development, intending to enhance efficiency and public participation in development projects.

The launch ceremony was held at the Ministry of Urban Development in Battaramulla, under the patronage of Minister Bimal Ratnayake.

According to the UDA, the interactive platform will allow stakeholders, professionals, and the general public to collaborate on sustainable urban planning and development. 

It enables users to share opinions, proposals, and concerns in all three languages while ensuring transparency, efficiency, and confidentiality.

The UDA stated that feedback received through the platform will be promptly addressed, with relevant teams taking immediate action to provide solutions. 

Technical support for the initiative is provided by the Authority’s Information Technology Division, while operational activities are managed by the Strategic Planning Division. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the purchase of 350 housing units from the ‘Harbour View Residencies’ housing project for the Sri Lanka Police. 

The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.

The ‘Harbour View Residencies’ project, constructed by the Urban Development Authority, consists of 452 housing units spread across 14 floors in Cyril C. Perera Mawatha, Colombo 13. 

The project was designed to provide housing facilities for officers serving in government and semi‑government institutions.

As part of the Cabinet decision, the Urban Development Authority will also construct sufficient vehicle parking facilities for the allocated police housing units. 

Officials noted that the initiative aims to ensure efficient and quality service from police officers working in zones across Colombo and the suburbs of the Western Province. (Newswire)

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The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is reported to be preparing to lease the Pettah Floating Market to a Japanese investor for USD 160 million, it is reported.

According to reports, the investor plans to renovate the shops and the night market within the complex under the current arrangement. 

Discussions are still ongoing regarding compensation for the current shop owners.

It is also stated that the investor has already paid USD 16 million to the Urban Development Authority.

Former Urban Development Minister Anura Karunathilaka had met this investor during his tenure, and yesterday (25), senior UDA officials held a special discussion regarding the leasing.

The Pettah Floating Market was originally built in 2014 by the Mahinda Rajapaksa government at a cost of Rs. 344 million. It contains 92 shops, along with two large restaurants. Of these, 10 shops are located on Beira Lake.

In 2021, the UDA incurred an additional expenditure of Rs. 50 million. Due to reduced trade during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, the floating market suffered losses, resulting in significant financial damage.

Although it was initially planned to attract tourists and sell local crafts and traditional food, when street vendors were allowed to operate there, attention to the project was lost.

Having operated for more than two years without maintenance, the Japanese investor now expects to completely renovate the market under a new plan.

It is also reported that the UDA has spent Rs. 14.9 million to produce a 20‑second promotional advertisement using a foreign announcer. (Newswire)

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Former Director General of the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Sumedha Ratnayake and former Director – Lands of the UDA, Weerawansa Perera, who were arrested today, have been granted bail.

The duo were granted bail after being produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama.

The two former state officials were arrested by the Bribery Commission in connection with corruption allegations involving a financial loss exceeding Rs. 29.5 million to the Authority.

According to the Bribery Commission, they were arrested based on claims that a 55.5-perch plot of land located in Mayura Place, Colombo 05, was leased on a temporary basis, resulting in a loss of Rs. 29,519,666.16 to the government. (Newswire)

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Former Director General of the Urban Development Authority (UDA), Sumedha Ratnayake and former Director – Lands of the UDA, Weerawansa Perera, have been arrested.

It is reported that the two former state officials were arrested by the Bribery Commission in connection with corruption allegations involving a financial loss exceeding Rs. 29.5 million to the Authority.

The Bribery Commission carried out the arrests, based on claims that a 55.5-perch plot of land located in Mayura Place, Colombo 05, was leased on a temporary basis, resulting in a loss of Rs. 29,519,666.16 to the government. This was stated in a press release issued by the Commission.

According to the Bribery Commission, the suspects are scheduled to be presented before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the relevant officials to promptly address the urgent repairs needed for the canals and drainage systems in response to the rapid rise in dengue and chikungunya cases in the Colombo District.

The President gave these directives during a meeting held today (20 May) at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, and other relevant institutions.

The President questioned the officials regarding the inadequate maintenance of the canals and drainage systems, directing the Urban Development Authority to devise a plan that includes sustainable solutions for the improper disposal of waste and wastewater. The President also informed the relevant officials to submit the relevant plans promptly.

During the meeting, attention was also drawn to address the issue of improper waste disposal by enhancing the active involvement of the Police Environmental Protection Division and Community Committees. 

Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunathilaka, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusoof, the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation and senior officials of relevant institutions participated in the meeting. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with officials from the Urban Development Authority (UDA) today (12) at the Presidential Secretariat to review ongoing projects and ensure the effective use of budget allocations.

The discussion focused on reviewing the UDA’s ongoing development projects and ensuring the effective utilization of budget allocations, with an emphasis on key priorities, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

This discussion extensively focused on strengthening the national economy through systematic urban development. Emphasis was placed on the need to integrate economic, social, environmental, and physical aspects when formulating and implementing urban development plans.

The discussion emphasized the significance of streamlining the approval process for urban plans through an online system, emphasizing the importance of coordinating with relevant institutions.

Currently, development plans have been formulated for 119 cities across the country. The meeting explored strategies for their swift implementation and addressed challenges arising in the process.

Several key areas were reviewed, including urban planning, capital investment, execution of government-approved projects, formulation of an urban land-use policy, agreements for new development initiatives, takeover and completion of abandoned development projects, capital improvement programs, formulation of environmental standards and implementation of environmental enhancement activities, building engineering and other operational activities, as well as the responsibilities and operational functions assigned to the Urban Development Authority.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunatilaka, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Chairman of the UDA L. B. Kumudu Lal, and a team of UDA officials. (Newswire)

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The granting of a portion of land belonging to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in Narahenpita on lease for a health and related activities development project has received Cabinet approval. 

According to the government, investment proposals were invited on a competitive basis to dispose of a plot of land belonging to the UDA which is located at Kirimandala Mawatha in Narahenpita.

The said land is to be provided for a health and related activities development project for a period of fifty years on a lease basis. 

Based on the recommendations of the Cabinet-appointed Standing Negotiation Committee evaluating the respective proposals, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing to dispose of 0.1929 hectares of the land.

The land is to be granted to M/s N W Realty (Pvt) Ltd incorporated by combining Ninewells Hospital Private Limited and Access International Pvt. Ltd. on a lease basis for a period of fifty years. (NewsWire)

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Sigiriya/Dambulla and Trincomalee are to be developed as tourism zones through an investment of Rs. one billion, Minister of  Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga said.

According to Daily News, the development project will be carried out by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) with the investment being provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Minister Ranatunga said the project stalled due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis will be recommenced this year with an initial investment of Rs. 320 million. 

He further said that under this project locations identified in Sigiriya/Dambulla and Trincomalee cities would be converted into tourism zones and infrastructure would be provided to them.

Accordingly, the Trincomalee project consists of 6 sub-projects and includes the development of the Dutch Bay and Back Bay Beach Development, Fort Frederick, Preservation and improvement, public facilities of hot springs development, construction of floating restaurants and creating eco-parks.

The project also includes the improvement of Powder Island and Crow Island areas, and the modernisation of Colonial Buildings, including the Trincomalee Port Head Office Premises. (NewsWire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted for the transfer of a land owned by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), on which an apartment complex has been built, to the University of Colombo.

According to the government, the UDA’s Board of Management has approved the transfer of the 0.2761 hectare plot of land to the University of Colombo. 

The land with an apartment complex consisting of 144 housing units is located at Kalinga Mawatha in Narahenpita.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to the proposal presented by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing to hand over the said plot of land with the apartment complex as a free grant to be used as hostel facilities by the University of Colombo. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka’s Urban Development Authority (UDA) has published a Request for Proposals (RFP) from potential investors for the development of two colonial heritage properties.

According to the Daily News, the RFPs were issued from September 14 until November 2, 2023, for investors or developers interested in undertaking the establishment of mixed commercial development in this regard. 

The UDA has issued an RFP for the renovation of the Building located at No. 11, Sir Baron Jayatillake Mawatha as a Mixed Commercial Development with a Tea Museum. Private sector partners have been invited to not only preserve this building but also utilise it for commercial purposes on a long-term lease basis. The estimated investment required from the private sector is approximately Rs. 500 to 800 million for the conservation and renovation of this historic structure.

Secondly, the Development of a High-end Boutique Hotel at No. 25, Independence Avenue, Colombo 07. In line with a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the property was vested with the UDA to open it to the public. This phase envisions the creation of a high-end boutique hotel, featuring 26 rooms, a pool, and advanced hospitality features. Potential investors and developers, both local and international, have been invited to participate in Phase Two of this transformative project through RFPs.

Potential bidders, including investors and developers, can obtain the RFP documents from the Real Estate Management and Development Division at the Urban Development Authority, 8th Floor, Sethsiripaya Stage I, Battaramulla. Additional information is available on the UDA website https://www.uda.gov.lk/investment-potential.html.

UDA Chairman, Nimesh Herath said the UDA receives numerous requests from world-renowned hospitality sector operators for amenities, particularly for foreign visitors who visit Sri Lanka. “Historical structures are popular among tourists due to their historical significance and unique identities. We have identified some of them for redevelopment. We will redevelop them via investments from foreign and local investors without compromising the location’s character,” he said. 

The UDA believes real estate investments, especially in unique and historic locations, can provide a hedge against the economic crisis of the country and can also diversify an investment portfolio. 

As part of its development project of dilapidated and historical buildings island-wide, the UDA recently completely refurbished and reopened colonial building 80 Club investing over Rs. 400 million.

It is also in the process of identifying and refurbishing the colonial period in Colombo and other main cities of the country such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Matara etc. (NewsWire)

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A total of 23 projects initiated by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) using government funds are currently suspended and among the projects, 11 have been halted due to issues between the institutions, it was reported.

According to a Parliament statement, the information was disclosed by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development.

The Committee emphasized that in addition to the projects that have been halted due to lack of funds, the main reason for these projects to be suspended is that there is no good cooperation or agreement between the relevant institutions.

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Sustainable Development which met yesterday (20) under the Chairmanship of MP Ajith Mannapperuma, took into consideration the projects which have been initiated by the UDA but have been abandoned due to various reasons thereby making a change in the strategies or existing rules followed in starting and maintaining the projects.

Thus, it was revealed that an amount of 56,388 million rupees has been estimated for 11 projects that have been stopped in the middle due to the problems between the institutions, and although the UDA has spent 2,531 million rupees, there are outstanding bills of 14,23 million rupees for further payment.  Also, it was revealed that an amount of 56,999 million rupees is required for the completion of the projects.

Since there are projects that have been stopped due to lack of funds as well as projects that have been stopped due to institutional issues that need to be resolved between various institutions, the committee focused its attention on projects that have been stopped in the middle due to problems between institutions at this Committee meeting held.

The Ceylon Electricity Board, Road Development Authority, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka Railway Department and the Prisons Department were called before the Committee, including the Urban Development Authority.

Among the 11 projects that have been stopped due to inter-institutional issues, the construction of the new access road from Kottawa to Mahenawatta, the development of Alavwa town (road widening), the construction of the entrance to Yakkala from the Gampaha highway, the expansion of Imaduwa town, the construction of low-income houses in Beruwanawatta, Aheliyagoda, Hatton, the committee considered the development of the railway station and the replacement of the Welikada prison were looked into.

Officials of the Urban Development Authority said work on the construction of the new access road from Kottawa to Mahenawatta is about 98% completed and the problem of land acquisition has been largely resolved as another place has been proposed for the people who will lose their land and post resolving the remaining issues with the Homagama Divisional Secretary, the project can be given to the Road Development Authority for completion.

It was disclosed that the construction of 34 low-income houses in Beruwanavatta, Aheliyagoda, planned to resettle people who will lose their land during the construction of the proposed by-pass instead of the pass through the city, which is very important for the development of Aheliyagoda, has been stopped due to problems in obtaining electricity and water supply for those houses. The Committee instructed since the houses have been completed, to have the projects completed by resolving problems of providing facilities with the Electricity Board and the Ratnapura District Community Water Supply Department and to resolve ownership issues of the land existing between the Railway Department and the Road Development Authority through cooperation between the institutions.

Furthermore, it was revealed before the Committee that although the land acquisition work of the proposed Gampaha Makavita Nelumwila Health Lane Project has been completed, the project has stopped midway. As 13 million has been spent for this purpose, the Committee instructed to carry out urban forestry on this piece of land and use it in the process of increasing forestry in Sri Lanka.

Under the replacement of Welikada prison, the Prisons Department and the Urban Development Authority were instructed that the value of the land where Welikada is currently located should be accurately assessed by the Government Valuation Department, and the money obtained by leasing the existing land or calling for tenders and selling the land should be used to locate the prison on the proposed land in Horana with more space and facilities under approved measurements.

The Committee emphasized that the cost can be covered through the investment received without spending government funds for the relevant project. The Committee also emphasized that by replacing the Welikada prison, the government hopes to use the more valuable Welikada land for other productive investment purposes and to re-establish the prison with more spacious facilities with a large number of funds received.

According to the facts considered, the Committee emphasized that the main reason for the cease of the projects is the lack of good cooperation or agreement between the institutions involved. The recommendation of the Committee was that when starting projects under the limited resources available, a preliminary analysis should be done regarding the social, economic and environmental impacts and the most beneficial and most important method should be followed. The participating officials were also instructed to follow the instructions and guidance given by the Committee and inform the Committee within 3 weeks of the progress regarding the work of the considered projects.

Committee Members MP Thushara Indunil Amarasena, MP Akila Ellawala, MP Waruna Liyanage, MP (Dr.) Thilak Rajapakshe and MP Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha were present at the Committee meeting. (NewsWire)

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The government expects to preserve the President’s House, the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s official residence – Temple Trees, and Prime Minister’s Office on Flower Road in Colombo as tourist attractions under the ‘New Colombo Heritage City Plan’, it was reported.

According to the Sunday Times, under the plan, the current official President’s House and Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Residence and Office have been earmarked to be moved out to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. 

Urban Development Authority (UDA) Director General Prasad Ranaweera stated that the lookout for alternative land in the Sri Jaywardenapura-Kotte area has commenced in order to move the administrative complex to one location.

Ranaweera stated that the move is being considered under the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and that following the identification of land necessary plans will be drawn for a phased shift of the buildings.

Under the ‘New Colombo Heritage City Plan’, a string of other buildings in Colombo city are also to be re-offered for lease to investors to be maintained as boutique hotels.

Accordingly, the General Post Office, the Foreign Ministry building, Police Headquarters, Air Force Headquarters, Navy Headquarters, Visumpaya, Shrvasthi (former MP’s hostel), the Gafoor building, the Irrigation Department building at Jawatte Road, the Welikada Prisons and the old Defence Ministry building at Galle Face have been identified to be leased out.

As per the plan, the buildings will be leased out for more than 30 years with concessionary terms on taxes, while the investors would be able to renovate the building while preserving its original identity.

Ranaweera further stated that the UDA also hopes to have a sheltered corridor between the Gafoor building and the Port City so that the people can use the passage.

He added that discussions have commenced with potential investors, including an investor from Georgia, in this regard. (NewsWire)

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The government has decided to build four multi-storey car parks in Colombo to ease traffic congestion caused by vehicles entering Colombo and other traffic-prone areas on a daily basis. 

The car parks are being built by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) on the directives of the Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga and with the support of both the private and public sectors. 

According to Lankadeepa, two of the multi-storey car parks will be constructed by the UDA, while the other two car parks will be constructed by the private sector. 

The car parks are expected to be built in front of the Sri Lanka Telecom Institution in Colombo, the old fish market, and in Narahenpita.

Meanwhile, the public car park constructed in Colombo -02 by the private sector was vested with the public under the patronage of Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. 

The car park was built by the private firm Access Engineering at a cost of Rs. 1400 million, while ownership of the car park will be transferred to the UDA after a period of 30 years.

The eight-story car park has the capacity to park 300 vehicles. As per the agreement, the UDA will receive 20% of the car park’s monthly income. (NewsWire)

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An income of over Rs. 75 million has been earned following the use of expressways in the last 48 hours ending at 06.00 am today, the Road Development Authority (UDA) reported. 

According to Lankadeepa, UDA Director General LVS Weerakone said that 256,225 vehicles had travelled on the expressways during this period.

Stating that no fatal accidents had been reported during this period, he said that only damages to properties in 41 places were reported due to minor accidents. 

Weerakone stated that the reported income was earned due to people using the Southern Expressway, Colombo Outer Circular Highway, Colombo- Katunayake Expressway, and the Central Expressway on 15th and 16th April 2023. (NewsWire)

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