President Holds Meeting with UDA Officials
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) took place today (12) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The conversation revolved around reviewing the UDA’s current development projects and ensuring efficient use of budget allocations, with a focus on key priorities.
During the discussion, significant focus was placed on enhancing the national economy through organized urban development. The importance of integrating economic, social, environmental, and physical elements when formulating and carrying out urban development plans was highlighted.
It was stressed during the meeting the need to streamline the approval process for urban plans using an online system and coordinating effectively with relevant institutions.
Presently, development plans for 119 cities across the country have been devised. The meeting delved into strategies for their prompt implementation and addressed the challenges faced in the process.
Several critical areas were covered, such as urban planning, capital investment, execution of government-sanctioned projects, creation of an urban land-use policy, agreements for new development ventures, takeover and completion of unfinished development projects, capital improvement programs, establishment of environmental standards and the implementation of environmental enhancement initiatives, as well as the duties and operational roles 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.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Urban Development Authority (UDA) officials met to discuss ongoing development projects and the effective use of budget allocations, focusing on economic strengthening through urban development. Emphasis was placed on integrating economic, social, environmental, and physical aspects into urban plans, streamlining approval processes online, and coordinating with relevant institutions. Plans for 119 cities were formulated, addressing challenges and strategies for swift implementation. Key areas reviewed included urban planning, capital investment, environmental standards, and responsibilities of the UDA. Attendees included the Minister of Urban Development, the President’s Secretary, and UDA officials.
