Video: Beire Lake will be completely rehabilitated-Gota

5 October 2012 07:46 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 100 Bookmark

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Secretary Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said that the long neglected Beire Lake will be completely rehabilitated.

“Its gates, tributaries and output channels will be unblocked and improved, and the pollution that has been caused by unauthorised settlements and buildings will be addressed. Once the project is completed, the Beire Lake will be transformed from its present state to a worthy centerpiece for a revitalised city,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.

He made this comment addressing the 6th Annual Session of the Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka at the Water’s Edge hotel in Battaramulla.

He also said that the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project that has been undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development is a five-year long undertaking financed through a World Bank loan that addresses a number of issues that have long troubled the city. Primarily, it will address the various flood and drainage issues that Colombo suffers from due to its rapid, organic growth over many decades. The city's drainage infrastructure, including its micro drainage channels, primary and secondary canals and lakes will be improved.

Commenting on the billboards, the defence secretary said that “these billboards are eyesores that obscure the greenery of the city and detract from its natural beauty, and this is a problem that needs to be addressed comprehensively. Instructions have been given to the Municipal Authorities to regulate billboards better, and the people who put up billboards should be advised to consider more effective ways of advertising. If billboards do have to be put up, it is better that they use modern methods such as electronic billboards in permitted areas, rather than put up large billboards in various places, thereby ruining the atmosphere of the city. We need the greenery and beauty of our urban spaces to stand out, and the rationalisation of billboards will be essential for this.”

The full text of the speech made by Secretary Defence and Urban Development at the opening ceremony of the 6th Annual Sessions of the Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka

Comments - 100

G.Wijeyesinghe Friday, 05 October 2012 05:58 PM

Dear Sir,
You are the only in the recent history who can do it and shall do. Pl go ahead. The majority are with you.
A Well wisher.

3 6

resplendant Saturday, 06 October 2012 12:23 AM

Go for it Gota ! You are one of a rare breed that can get things done. Sri lanka is lucky to have you !

1 1

Chandra Saturday, 06 October 2012 12:19 AM

Sounds like a great plan. Just a few important points you may consder sir.( from Australia)
Multi storey car parks at various places in Colombo (public private enterprise, this should eliminate road side parking)

Noise pollution created by vehicles should be controlled.
Excessive exhaust smoke produced by vehicles should be stopped
Ensure further deteoration of environment is stopped immediately.

Introduce updated legislation to curb environmental pollution.
Introduce safety legislation which should go hand in hand with environment.
Master Plans for Colombo and other cities developed (with the advice of proffessionals), medium and long term palns. Need to review these every five years due to rapid development.

0 1

Manik Friday, 05 October 2012 11:24 PM

Better to start it in the dry zone where thousands of poor farmers suffer due to lack of water rather than in Colombo. Concept of "Colombata Kiri, Gamata Kekiriri" suits only the selfish crooks who live in Colombo. Economic redemption lies in the paddy fields and "chenas" in rural areas and not in Colombo.

1 2

CW Friday, 05 October 2012 11:06 PM

The people who make negative comments are the real followers of the JVPers who never see anything positive in their lives. They are losers always.

0 2

Bagalawathie Friday, 05 October 2012 09:12 PM

Gota. You are a God given saviour for Sri Lanka. God bless you and long live.

1 1

percy Friday, 05 October 2012 08:54 PM

I visited Colombo a few months ago and what a beautiful place it is now. Sri Lanka can be proud of its magical capital city Colombo. All credit to Gotabaya Rajapakse who single handedly accomplished this miracle transforming it frrom a "no hope slum" to the beautiful city it is now. People who make inane remarks about Gota driven out of poilitical animosity should bow their heads in shame!

0 1

Roger Friday, 05 October 2012 08:41 PM

First Rehabilitate the Tamil Communities up North an East if you want to see prosper

2 2

Gihan Friday, 05 October 2012 07:48 PM

I am amazed with the type of work done by the Defence Secretary and his team.I dont remember seeing colombo clean as this ever. Once the roads are completed, traffic flow will be better. For every 1 who praise, there will be 10 people to critizise. Thats the state of the game.

He is not in it for votes. Thats the sad side. He gets my vote any day if he decides to stand for elections.

Amazing work of courage and sheer determination. True son of the soil. Keep going Sir...Dont look back.

2 12

Lihini Friday, 05 October 2012 07:17 PM

Manik. One has to start clearing the mess from somewhere. The whole country was gone to the dogs a few years back, it was like Somalia then. Stench was so bad in some places in CMB that you feel like throwing up when you pass those places. Learn to appreciate good work without being a pessimist.

5 11

Faris Friday, 05 October 2012 07:04 PM

Let us be positive and support good initiatives of the government to take SL forward.

2 9

Lihini Friday, 05 October 2012 06:58 PM

When I was a school kid in the late 70's, there was a similar effort to keep Kandy town clean. I believe it was started by a mayor called Ratnayake. There was an awareness programs at school level called "KEEP KANDY BEAUTIFUL." The program worked well and the city was clean for a while. However, it did not last for long, because our people were not cultured enough to maintain good habits taught at schools. Perhaps it is good to start an awareness program at school level in all schools, so that we can instill good habits in our younger generation.

1 8

Lihini Friday, 05 October 2012 06:38 PM

Gota is a practical man. He has done a lot for the country more than any elected politician. Yes, he is not sophisticated when talking to the media and not politically correct sometimes. That it self is an indication that he is not in it for politics, but for the love of the country. I criticize this government sometimes in forums like this for having goons like Mervin as a minister who tarnishes the image of the government relentlesly. However, because of people like Gota I am with this government, I really respect Gota for his honest work. He really tries to make Sri Lanka a batter place. You are the man Gota, keep kicking, and good luck for all your development projects.

4 11

Anver Saturday, 06 October 2012 12:29 AM

EXCELLENT, BUT HOPE THE LAKE WILL NOT BE SOLD TO CHINESE OR ANY OTHERS!

1 7

TISSA Friday, 05 October 2012 05:45 PM

Sir. you are an asset to Srilanka, I am currently living in France & a friend who is a French citizen told me how he was amazed to see how clean Colombo is in comparison to 5 years back, he had not seen a single piece of paper on the road,keeping the country clean will definitely attract tourists & investments,we can be proud of our motherland.

2 9

Monkey Joe Friday, 05 October 2012 05:33 PM

When.........? Seeing is believing.

3 4

punchi Friday, 05 October 2012 05:16 PM

I am happy to see certain parts Colombo being transformed. Like to see not only selected areas but all areas are given a face lift inclusive borella maradana dematagoda is has room for much improvement
MOST OF ALL LESSER TRAFFIC on THE ROADS ITS MADNESSS. BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 27

krish Friday, 05 October 2012 04:56 PM

He is still afraid of Sr M, Silva and Jr M.Silva's - ha ha !

7 22

Renu Friday, 05 October 2012 04:54 PM

First look after the people thewn then the lakes

7 7

Jayampathy Ranaweera Friday, 05 October 2012 03:56 PM

Recently I met elderly Sri Lankan parents who visited their daughter and family living in US.These parents are rich and from Bambalapitiya,they were highly praising the present conditions around Colombo even my asking anything and were highly appreciating the present changes that gives them opportunity to have a evening walk on clean pathways.
All this credit goes to GR.

1 9

wise man Friday, 05 October 2012 03:48 PM

Undoubtedly you have done a wonderful job for Urban Development subject where Colombo and Kotte are concerned. His efforts and achievements should be looked at without bringing petty politics into the picture

1 7

Mahen Friday, 05 October 2012 02:38 PM

Most of the buildings along major roads are not been painted for a long time and many show moth and rust appearing. If you can give some incentive and help them to paint will be a good idea. Also need more green and parks for recreation. May be you could bring some ideas from USA..

1 3

Nishantha Friday, 05 October 2012 02:28 PM

No Comments…!

2 4

hashhhsl Friday, 05 October 2012 02:19 PM

Some people can not think beyond party politics. The same people who were blaming and complaining about Baire lake now talking aginst it.

5 13

nsathees Friday, 05 October 2012 02:07 PM

Is English the official language now? If so that's a great thing for Sri Lanka.

7 8

aiyo what to do Saturday, 06 October 2012 02:36 AM

Ha ha.... are you deaf and blind...still like Somalia....Lawlessness, corruption, thuggery, bribery, indiscipline bus driving , nepotism, ever increasing killings & rape, child abuses, Poverty, people with hunger unable to have a square meal....you name it .....we have it .
Only the boot-likers and sycophants don't see the reality.

5 3

siri Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:08 PM

Well done.But most of the relevent institutions out side Colombo City are now relaxing their duties. There should be a contineous procees to handle the garbage problem.

0 0

Janaki Kalansuriya Saturday, 06 October 2012 11:15 AM

and what was Muzzamil saying about Red Light areas in Colombo?

0 0

Omar Saturday, 06 October 2012 08:27 AM

The Billboards of the President are the biggest eyesore wonder what he will do with that!! All tall which we fools listen to.
He will make a good politician now!

1 2

Kautilya Saturday, 06 October 2012 07:47 AM

Siyambalanduwa populace are in search of water. There is no need to rehabilitate Beira Lake. It is a blatant wasteful expenditure of tax payers money. Civil society should take legal remedies again this type of moronic spending. People of some part of the country is without a drop of water. What a calamity.. Gota is shouting like that he is spending his own money. Further he is going to spend Rs. 2 billion for Army uniforms. it looks Sri Lanka has become an asylum for few lunatics.

2 1

ariya Saturday, 06 October 2012 04:41 AM

It's a great idea by Gota. Capital city is important to project the image of the country.

Simultaneously our ancient reservoirs and irrigation canals should be develop to bring back the ancient glory we had during A'pura & Polonnaruwa periods.
Entire country will bless you other than few frustrated elements.

All the best

Rajarata Goviya

2 1

shehan jayawardene Saturday, 06 October 2012 04:33 AM

Most of the billboards that are an eye sore are those showing pictures of his brother the president. :)

2 1

The Liberal Saturday, 06 October 2012 03:44 AM

There are many things not to like about him, but even those people who dislike him will have to agree that he is a man of his word and a man who get's things done!

3 3

dias Saturday, 06 October 2012 03:42 AM

Clean the Kalani River beds and Build parks and Hotels for Tourists and for Locals. even this Land could be lease to big investors.

0 2

Frederick Saturday, 06 October 2012 03:38 AM

There is a lot of development but how about enforcing the rules.Take the area drained by the Diyawanna Oya which lies beween Nawala and Nugegoda and the houses surrounding(bordering) that area.Seems they can do what they want even encroaching into crown land bordering the stream adjacent to their properties.Seems to be their way of extending their boundaries. A simple inspection by officials will be enough to curb such irregular activity.And have a specific officer whom the public can contact.Most people observe the rules so the task won't be difficult.

0 1

idroos Saturday, 06 October 2012 02:45 AM

Dear gota great work may god guide u to the straigth path

1 3

mercy Saturday, 06 October 2012 02:37 AM

He is been paid to do that job be very carefull of the delicate issue of evicting people from thier homes in the guise of a cleaning the city.Because it will be construed as punishing the minorities .Why only colombo what about other sinhala dominated shanty areas

1 1

kabba Friday, 05 October 2012 01:40 PM

no doubt i love you

10 8

Rajan Saturday, 06 October 2012 02:11 AM

Will R.A.De Mel Mawatha be extended to Aththidiya to alleviate the traffic congestion on Galle Road?

0 2

True Sri Lankan Saturday, 06 October 2012 02:04 AM

Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa is one of the few best ministry secretaries Mother Lanka produced.

Long live, Sir !!!

2 3

Cobra Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:32 AM

We all can guess what new name will be given to the lake after the rehabilitation!!!!!!

1 2

Ramon Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:21 AM

Is this the part of 20%increase { additional Rs:80 Billion ) allocation to defense and urban development budget to justify it.

2 1

reporter Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:13 AM

This has noting to do with M Silvas but about the development of SL. Hats off Gota keep on going. you are the man. all foreigners who visit colombo that it is the cleanest in south asian region.

2 9

sandman Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:09 AM

No way, this Petrol pump attendant cum Data operator never brought any ideas from the US !!!!!!

3 1

Rita Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:08 AM

It is a hilarian task under taken by UDA under the guidance and initiative of Defence secretary and it would have been much more speedier, cost effective and attractive if he had made some provisions by way of " online suggestions by public" to be made available to him from time to time on the work kn progress.

0 3

sandman Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:07 AM

This is not called "backbone" this is due to hunger to earn more and own more, these sudden Beira development ideas stem from his personal "interests" in business enterprises along the edges of the Beira. These Rajapakse's dont do nothing for nothing, remember. But they are clever and we are all so very stupid. By some comments here you would think that this FAMILY is here for the refreshingly NEW development of SRI LANKA, while they are actually cleaning out the entire country of its precious resources (whatever is left as resources), when they come for your house, then you would blink and really open your eyes.

1 1

Puswedilla Saturday, 06 October 2012 01:03 AM

So will you use Sri Lankan educated engineers and planners to do the job or pass ghosts onto the chinese as well.

0 3

boss Saturday, 06 October 2012 12:56 AM

very good idea. can you reduce budget allocattion for edycation to 0.5% then you can rehabilitate all tanks in Sri Lanka. Education is useless for Sri Lanka.

3 5

SB Saturday, 06 October 2012 12:29 AM

exactly ! a mistaken priorIty AT A COST THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD WHAT OUR FELLOW SRI LANKANS DONT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT! yes sir no sir three bags full sir! do we have any brains?

1 1

jayawic Friday, 05 October 2012 08:19 AM

Nice speech focus to educated group. Don't distroy yourself by entering cheap politics GR.Keep it up.

8 46

sanjaya Friday, 05 October 2012 09:12 AM

Good Luck for your work sir

7 12

Rick Friday, 05 October 2012 09:12 AM

Gota is a man, who not only does the talk but does the job!

24 71

Wara Friday, 05 October 2012 09:07 AM

Most of the issues you mentioned are already underway. And before going further, capital should be developed. Then can consider about other places. And also, marine drive is still extending. First it Gallface and then from the other end it's upto Moratuwa I guess. But it'll take long time.

9 13

david Friday, 05 October 2012 09:05 AM

excellent. colombo is now not the same colombo few years back. hats off to you sir.

9 15

NSK Friday, 05 October 2012 09:09 AM

its the very good move, please removed all the houses by the lake side near wellawatta adjoining saranakara road. and also make that bridge a little big. its too much traffic there.

6 10

willows Friday, 05 October 2012 08:55 AM

is it only in Colombo the development development, what about outside Colombo?

9 9

Shan Friday, 05 October 2012 08:55 AM

I would agree with you if you can clean up the "DIYAWANNA OYA" All the dirt is lying there.

0 1

Em Friday, 05 October 2012 08:54 AM

Thank you very much sir..

7 9

SL Friday, 05 October 2012 08:41 AM

yes it takes time?? do you think our ppl who lives illegally around the lake would like to leave the place?
Gota has done a lot to Colombo accept it.

24 85

Manik Friday, 05 October 2012 08:28 AM

Colombo is not Sri Lanka. There are hundreds of lakes and "wewas" in the dry zone that need rehabilitation to help poor farmers. A rehabilitated Beire will only help the rich, Royalists and Thomians to engage in rowing.

15 21

weha Friday, 05 October 2012 08:27 AM

Most probably someone is trying to cover the annual targets in another business. ha ha

102 45

buffaloa citizen Friday, 05 October 2012 08:19 AM

The biggest menace of billboards is his brothers face grinning from every pavement or lamp post. The sudden liking for cleaning Beira Lake, is it because you are having interests in the hotels sorrounding its perimeter. Why not develop areas such as Mount Lavinia, Ratmalana? How about extending Marine Drive up to Panadura to reduce the rigors faced by the public on Galle Road? What about Colombo Kandy Road which is a serious priority to Southern Highway? Public money to you is like "my petrol - my car".

26 65

saviman cook Friday, 05 October 2012 09:18 AM

There is very bad feeling like to urine between a Kotuwa station and a Hilton hotel.

0 1

silva Friday, 05 October 2012 08:19 AM

Your vision and committment to develop Colombo is admirable. Perhaps you could also try to improve law and order and good governance. Then, you will be remembered as a great son of Sri Lanka.

8 46

saman Friday, 05 October 2012 08:18 AM

Gota, you are an absolute legand. I hope you be our president one day. For everything you have done to SriLanka, thank you...

94 110

Minister Friday, 05 October 2012 08:18 AM

Also please put a stop to poster menace in Colombo and suburbs.

3 58

Arun Friday, 05 October 2012 08:17 AM

Please, last batch of IDPs have been resettled in jungles from their origin in Mandavil, all daily papers and web papers have reported this, resettled them first..Don't ignore them at crucial time and then don't wonder why they don't feel as "sri lankans".

2 0

Sumithi Friday, 05 October 2012 08:17 AM

This is not something new...
Actions are needed.mere words not enough..
The cleaning of houses in railway lines started but now?
The pettah clearing is more admirable though..
Good work if done.

5 27

manju Friday, 05 October 2012 08:13 AM

good to have a pleasant environment.
as for billboards - will all those huge billboards of the brothers and other politicians also be removed or do they have a separate standards that benefit them?

8 66

Minister Friday, 05 October 2012 08:10 AM

We commend and support the developments that are being taking place now in Colombo and Kotte Parliament areas. We dont look at them through the coloured glasses of political affliations. The UDA's efforts must be commended. Well done, and we need to see Colombo a highly developed city which so many could not do for so many decades.

15 79

warElephant Friday, 05 October 2012 08:03 AM

I completely agree with you sir!!!

35 68

flipper Friday, 05 October 2012 07:55 AM

Since 2006!

32 46

Danushke Friday, 05 October 2012 07:53 AM

Gota, you re the father of new Sri Lanka.... Hats off to you for your vision and bravery !!

122 136

Bale Friday, 05 October 2012 07:53 AM

Nice to hear. I hope all this will come to effect in very near future!

15 134

sampath Friday, 05 October 2012 09:56 AM

A man who does something with minimum talking involved, good to know Sir

12 28

Cobra Friday, 05 October 2012 01:41 PM

Another misplaced priority!

10 13

Mahendra Friday, 05 October 2012 01:26 PM

Even if it's so, this is going to benefit all and the future generations. Nothing comes out for nothing but look at the outcome and the end results!!

13 39

kabba Friday, 05 October 2012 01:22 PM

you are our/my king

10 8

pj Friday, 05 October 2012 01:15 PM

Hope Beira Lake doesn't means UPLF !!??

2 4

ampare son Friday, 05 October 2012 12:38 PM

Sir you have backbone. i respect that.

11 14

saradiyal Friday, 05 October 2012 12:17 PM

His job is to make sure law and order is in place. If he cannot do that other work is worthless.

9 13

rumi Friday, 05 October 2012 11:44 AM

beira lake is not hungry-people are hungry because of high cost of living. first think about people who voted for improving their life.-- rubbish

16 8

faizal Friday, 05 October 2012 11:11 AM

We agree totally with this program . we want to see a green city with More parks. Please clean up Pettah and river Beds of Kalani river.

5 13

Gunaruwan Friday, 05 October 2012 10:18 AM

A visionary address with 26 minutes. And Sir, i am sure that you can do it.

8 15

Cancer Friday, 05 October 2012 10:05 AM

Good work benefiting the country whoever does should be appreciated by all without being biased of party politics. GR has so far done a marvellous job.

7 19

Asitha Friday, 05 October 2012 07:57 AM

When is Gotabaya going to be rehabilitated first. Thne his brothers and then the places that lack electricity, clean water and housing. He needs get get his priorities sorted out.

76 56

weha Friday, 05 October 2012 09:49 AM

The roads look like there from europe. the people walking on them look like beggars. the enough roads that should be repaired before decorating the pavements :)

36 19

Hal Friday, 05 October 2012 09:51 AM

Until now I thought money spent on beautification of Colombo was limited to tax payers money. That was bad. Now I see that the beautification is done by loans taken from the World Bank. Interest has to paid for this. Are the brothers picking up the tab. I never hear any development of industry, education or health. What are the priorities? 10% I guess.

1 0

Saman Friday, 05 October 2012 09:28 AM

I know, Gota wouldn't get any birthday cards from the war hungry diaspora guys or even from the TNA guys for that matter. Dogs will always bark. Keep up the good work. Majority of the Sri Lankans admire you!

1 6

adel Friday, 05 October 2012 09:28 AM

Dear Sir,

good job, I wish that you are able to rehabilitate all the corrupt and uncivilsed politicians as well, they are also as in a mess like the Beira................

1 5

true sri lankan Friday, 05 October 2012 09:30 AM

Yap his Brothers & sons will get more business through this projects.. enjoin...

18 25

nanbst Friday, 05 October 2012 09:24 AM

where on earth you are living? Colombo ring road is going to be completed soon, it will be part of southern highway connecting rest of Colombo, Katunayake and Kandy road to southern high way. if marine drive extended beyond Dehiwala thousands and thousands of poor fishing folks will loose living and jobs. think before you write please.

9 12

malkanthi Friday, 05 October 2012 09:21 AM

Excellent! We cannot be ignorant of the beautiful city being created. It is good to live in a beautiful environment.. Colombo looks great. it gives more significant by events being held and many investments. But if the prevailing unrest, economic hardship, cost of living continues to burden the lives of people further, the whole idea in the long run will be futile. People's need will supersede the beauty of the environment.

4 13

Boowa Friday, 05 October 2012 09:20 AM

Mr gota....if you read this....your doing so much development in the city..it's good cmb looks good at night..n clean..ela Kiri...but can you show me a country which has close down all the roads in the heart of the city...for eg fort..where in the world this happens..please open up the Chatham street mudalige Mawatha...let the tourist come and take pictures of the president house and the old post office...even tho boowa don't like this government..I feel that you got some tast and brains...

0 1

Kondebendapucheena Friday, 05 October 2012 09:23 AM

If you look at Gota in political view he nevar got involved in active politics,no matter what people thinks he is the man who changed Colombo from grassroot level and many more to come .Flood protection in and around Parliment .Thambs up Gota

30 88

Mudiyanse mama Friday, 05 October 2012 09:22 AM

Hats off for you Mr. Rajapakse. We should let the entire world to see the new outlook of the country to make returns from these huge investments.

9 18

Lecturer Friday, 05 October 2012 09:16 AM

I respect for his commitment. And we see the results. A better city

6 10

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