RS. 7,000 MN. HOUSING PROJECT INAUGURATED IN THALAWATHUGODA

CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOUSING SCHEME BEGAN LAST WEEK IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PRIME MINISTER MINISTER PATALI CHAMPIKA RANAWAKA MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN TO BEGIN SEVERAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN FUTURE ADMINISTRATIVE HUB OF SRI L

Amiddle-income housing scheme in Thalawathugoda would be the newest addition to the numerous development projects concentrated in the soon-to-be administrative district of the country.

Construction of the housing scheme began last week in the presence of the Prime Minister and Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

The Rs. 7,000 million project would see the construction of 400 housing units on a land in extent of 2 acres and 6 perches, near the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital Road. In addition to a 30-storey condominium, the Urban Development Authority (UDA) will also construct office buildings, bus stops and schools in the area.

Residents can choose a compatible home from three categories, A (850 square feet), B (1050 square feet) and C (1,250 square feet). The scheme will include a car park, gym, swimming pools, cafeteria, super markets, other outlets and other entertainment facilities.

A common gas line, solar panels and a recycling centre are some of the infrastructure facilities that are to be included in the housing scheme.

Speaking at the ceremony, subject Minister Ranawaka said the middle class in Sri Lanka had seen a steady economic development over the years. The housing scheme was for professionals working in the area.

“We can see an increased economic development of the middle class during the past 20-30 years. Areas such as Maharagama, Kaduwela and Kotte were well known areas of the middle class, which over the years has developed from the lower middle class to the upper middle class,” he said.

The minister stated that measures had been taken to begin several development projects in the area. “We hope to create the necessary infrastructure facilities in the area. One such project would be the development of the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital and the University,” he said. Members from the local government bodies were not very happy with this idea. For example they don’t want to let Battaramulla out of their city limits as they have some income from the area

Construction of all buildings planned by the government, in the administrative city, was scheduled to begin this year, the Minister continued. “The next phase of Sethsiripaya also began recently. We will also begin the construction of a fully equipped office complex in the CHOGM land.”

The Presidential Palace, House of the Prime Minister, the offices of the President and the Prime Minister and additional land needed for these offices are to be allocated this year. Minister Ranawaka stated that plans were also under way to establish an urban park in a 35 acre land in the vicinity.

“We hope to establish a green city in the area but unfortunately, the land area comes under the purview of two or three local government bodies,” the Minister said.

Ranawaka concluded that if the technology city was to be established, the administrative area and parliament should be considered one urban area. “Members from the local government bodies were not very happy with this idea. For example they don’t want to let Battaramulla out of their city limits as they have some income from the area.”

The area needed a sewerage system and water management system which the government hoped to establish soon. “We will establish a city with necessary infrastructure facilities as we see the middle class growing in the area,” the Minister said.