Sri Lanka is once again promoting passenger transport in canals across Colombo city.
The government will soon call for international tenders to find a partner to run this service initially from Battaramulla to Wellawatte.
Megalopolis Project Investment Head Nayana Mawilmada speaking at a discussion on ‘Investment opportunities from the Western Region Megalopolis Plan’ oraganised by Guardian Acuity Asset Management he said that though waterways are commonly used in many countries Sri Lanka has ignored this valuable asset.
“We now want to offer this facility for investors to operate business”.
“Under the Western Region Megalopolis Plan we identified transport as a vital link and we are planning to electrify the railway from Panadura to Veyangoda under Japanese funding and also streamline the public bus service which will be air conditioned and running via GPS technology. The bus times will be synchronised to coincide with the arrival of boats.”
Mawilmada said they have identified the Beira Lake to be developed as a major recreation area. “In addition we see Fort as an area with rich cultural heritage and this will be maintained along with the 35% of wetlands under the Western Region Plan.”
The Crazy Pettah with shopping bazaars and thin streets too will be kept to maintain this diversity in Colombo.
“We don’t want to copy a Singapore but want offer a Western Region Megalopolis Plan maintaining these identities.”
Meanwhile panellist TWCorp Chairman Tilan Wijesinghe said they are very excited about the Port City Development project. “There would be housing, international hospitals, University, theme parks Sri Lanka’s first Marina and most importantly the Financial City. These developments
and attractions will help tourists to stay in Colombo for an additional 48 hours.”
Most of the agreements for the Port City have fallen to place and the first piling will start in 24 months from today.
He however said that he is very disappointed with the bureaucracy and red tape which is still in existence is the same degree it was. “This has to change soon to allow inked FDI agreements to take off the ground.”
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