He made these remarks addressing the occasion held to vest the new weekly fair and additional bus terminal, which were built at a cost of Rs. 145 million by the Urban Development Authority with the public recently.

According to the minister, three large scale buildings will be built in Battaramulla area to accommodate public institutions. Tenders will be called this year to construct Battaramulla main transport hub. In addition, a plan has been presented to set up PM’s office and the Independence Commissions in the area close to the Parliament.  

He said, under the competitive global economy, country’s economy must be empowered through technology and innovation. Therefore, the government will convert the area from Malabe to Homagama as a technical city and a scholars’ city.

Further, an alternative road will be constructed from Kaduwela to Colombo along the bank of Kelani River. The minister also explained plans to develop Kelani River and thereby connect expressway, Galle Harbour and Hambantota Port.