Key establishments from Colombo to move to Jayawardenepura after six months: UDA

• The Presidential Secretariat, President’s official residence, Prime Minister’s office and Prime Minister’s residence will be moved

By Yohan Perera   

Moving of key establishments of Colombo City will begin after the Colombo Megapolis Master plan becomes ready in six months’ time, Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Nimesh Herath said.   

Speaking during the opening of the revamped 80 Club building at Independence Square, Herath said the master plan which is to be prepared by a Singaporean Company is be prepared in six months’ time. 

 “We will begin the work after the plan is ready,” he said.    “The plan will be based on the concept of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to relocate all administrative offices to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. Accordingly the Presidential Secretariat, President’s official residence, Prime Minister’s office and Prime Minister’s residence will be moved to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. There was a land which was chosen during the Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge  regime to construct the official residence of Colombo and the new official residence will be constructed there,” he added.   

“We also plan to develop a heritage corridor in Colombo which will comprise GOH, Foreign Ministry office and the Presidential Secretariat. Any tourist will be able to walk from the GOH to Presidential Secretariat under this plan,” Herath revealed.   

The newly opened 80 Club will be converted into a boutique hotel and a restraint utilizing the adjoining 60 perch land according to UDA Chairman. “We are looking for either a foreign or a local investor who can develop this project. The premises will be leased out to investor on a long term lease. We have spent Rs 411 million to develop the 80 club and to maintain its heritage face,” he said.   

He said UDA will also develop the Otter’s Club, GOH, Visum Paya and Gafoor Building soon.