The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has taken over the Kollupitiya Supermarket from the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) through an Extraordinary Gazette notice signed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.  

The gazette states that by virtue of the powers vested in him under Section 15(1) of the Urban Development Authority Law No. 41 of 1978, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister of Urban Development and Housing has taken over the land where the Kollupitiya Supermarket is located. 

The Kollupitiya Supermarket is to be demolished to construct a new, multi-storey building. 

A 39-storeyed building will be constructed to replace the old market and will consist of trade stalls and apartments. 

Once constructed, the first and second floors of the new building will consist of trade stalls.  

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed officials to ensure normal traders can sell their produce in the new market.  

Meanwhile, the eighth to the 30th floors of the building will consist of luxury apartments. 

Once constructed, the new building will be able to accommodate over 348 vehicles.  (Easwaran Rutnam)