By: Staff Writer
September 01, Colombo (LNW): The Greater Hambantota development plan is to be devised by. Singapore-based urban planning company Sarbana Jurong (Pvt.) Limited to transform the region into a major hub for tourism, industry, trade and port activities.
The government has entrusted the same company with which the responsibility of preparing major development plans for Colombo City and the Western Province, as well as the strategic development of the tourist zone of Eastern Province.
The Cabinet nod was first given in 2018 and renwed it recently to obtain consultation services from the said urban planning company to prepare a regional plan and a detailed ‘master plan’ of Greater Hambantota for fundamental improvement centers,
Thereby, as the government has decided to prioritize the development activities pertaining to Hambantota, the proposal to hand over the preparation of the master plan to Sarbana Jurong (Pvt.) Limited was green-lighted by the Cabinet of Ministers.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his vision to transform the region into a major hub for tourism, industry, trade and port activities.
Speaking during an election campaign rally in Hambantota, he assured commitment to improving the livelihoods of Sri Lankans.
Wickremesinghe underscored his commitment to developing the Hambantota Port, noting the involvement of China Merchant Company and Surbana Jurong.
“The two firms have developed a comprehensive plan for expansion,” Wickremesinghe added.He also announced a plan to allocate 4,000 acres for a large-scale planning zone in the area, including the introduction of the Sinopec refinery, Sri Lanka’s second refinery.
“With these initiatives, we aim to transform Hambantota into a hub for tourism, industry, trade, and port activities over the next five years. Let us work together to achieve this progress,” he added.
He urged the public to join him in working toward these ambitious goals, emphasising that this development would secure the region’s economic future and enhance the prosperity of its residents.
Wickremesinghe stressed that increasing national production and strengthening the rupee would help alleviate the financial burden on citizens. The President also highlighted initiatives to create job opportunities for youth.
He outlined a strategy to boost economic relief by increasing income levels, distinguishing his policies from those of other Presidential candidates.
He stressed the importance of responsible leadership, highlighting that safeguarding the nation’s economy requires sound management practices.
The President warned against trusting the country’s future to leaders who lack fundamental economic knowledge and make unrealistic promises.
He highlighted that Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached $ 84 billion in 2023 and noted that the Government tripled the Samurdhi grant for low-income families under the Aswasuma program. Wickremesinghe outlined various economic relief measures, including plans for a fertiliser subsidy to boost sugarcane cultivation.
