Mahinda says urban development will be extended to popular cities in provinces

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Minister of Urban Development and Housing told his ministry officials and staff that they bore a huge responsibility to transform the city and the country for the better going forward.

Speaking after assuming duties as the Minister, Rajapaksa recalled that under his presidency Colombo was elevated to be Asia’s fastest growing city by 2015 but later on the progress was stalled. 

He said taking over as Minister of Urban Development and Housing was a challenging task as development had been neglected for the past five years. In that context Rajapaksa said ministry officials would have an important role to play. 

It was emphasised urban development would not be confined to Colombo only but expanded to other popular cities such as Kandy, Galle, Jaffna and requested officials to deliver on the expectations of 

the people.