Cabinet approves programme to beautify 100 cities

The Cabinet of Ministers this week approved a programme to beautify hundred cities, with the assistance of all state institutions and all other parties entrusted with the supply of infrastructure facilities.

The proposal in this regard was tabled by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Urban Development and Housing Minister.

In outlining the scope and rationale behind the programme, the government stated that the disorganised expansions and development of cities and towns have led to several issues. Therefore, this programme aims to systematically beautify 100 such identified cities scattered throughout the island by enhancing their fundamental facilities.

“Some second and third level cities throughout the island are untidy, ugly and a pain/disturbance to the public for a considerable time, due to unorganised development, while most of them can be converted to public-friendly, pleasing cities across, taking the necessary steps according to a neat/proper plan,” the Government Information Department said.

According to Cabinet Co-Spokesperson and Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the programme is to be implemented in collaboration with the private sector and other stakeholders such as local governments.

He said the cities and towns across the country face a range of issues such as flooding, due to disorganised and unplanned expansions.