New Megapolis Authority to take over some UDA powers

Thursday, 8 October 2015 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shanika Sriyananda

As the Government moves forward on the new megapolis project, certain powers of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) will be transferred to a new authority to be created by the end of the year, top officials said.

Megapolis and Western Region Development Minister Champika Ranawaka told the Daily FT some functions of the UDA and other institutions would come under the new Megapolis Authority.

“Certain powers and functions of the UDA will be taken over by the Megapolis Authority,” he confirmed. According to Ranawaka, his Ministry is now in the process of formulating the legal draft of the new authority and expects to present the draft legal document to Parliament by the end of 2015.

The main function of the authority is to transform the entire Western Province into a smart city while preserving its environmental and cultural heritage. “Mega cities are important to transform Sri Lanka into a smart country and Colombo will remain as the epicentre for economic activities,” the Minister added.

However, the UDA will continue to carry out its functions with reduced power and responsibilities.

The megapolis project is the flagship development project in the UNP manifesto and aims to convert the Western Province into a megapolis by 2030.

The population will be increased to 8.4 million and will be developed from Negombo to Beruwala including the Colombo city. The new Megapolis Authority will function under the purview of the newly created Ministry of Megapolis and Western Province Development.

New Ministry officials are having discussions whether to include other local authorities also into the new authority, informed sources said.