The Government has decided to hire a Singaporean company which worked out the Western Region Megapolis Master Plan, to formulate a master plan for the development of the Trincomalee metropolitan and surrounding areas, it is learnt.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Surbana Jurong of Singapore for this purpose by the Secretary to the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs and the Chief executive officer of the company.

Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama and Minister of Trade and Industries of Singapore S. Iswaran witnessed the signing of the MoU.

It is part of the government’s plan to develop cities in different parts of the country. Hambantota and Jaffna are two other areas earmarked for development in a similar fashion.

Ministry sources said Trincomalee would be developed as a growth centre using its strategic location in the Indian Ocean region.

“This will be an overall plan for the development of the entire metropolitan area together with suburbs,” a source said.

The Cabinet will decide on the terms of the contract with the company selected for the purpose.( Kelum Bandara)