The Minister reiterated this at a meeting held on Wednesday (21) at the Ministry premises at Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla to discuss the present situation and existing difficulties in the sectors of urban development and water supply  throughout the island. Higher officials of the Urban Development Authority and Water Supply Board were present.

 

 

During the discussion attention was paid to all projects that have been completed, presently underway and those to be commenced in the future by the UDA and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, island-wide.  It was  revealed that a vast number of people in the Ratnapura District have been adversely affected due to urbanization activities that have been carried out in the Ratnapura District.  Also the largest Public Fair and Public Market Complex that was constructed in Embilipitiya at a cost of Rs.131 million is confined only to the opening ceremony.  Therefore the officials appealed to the Minister to make it a viable place to serve the people and the traders.  This Public Fair has room for 64 trade stalls and 700 traders.

 

 

The Deputy Minister Gankanda instructed officials concerned to take immediate measures to complete work on the Children's park that is being constructed at a cost of Rs.23 million at the Ratnapura New Town.

 

 

He also pledged to carry out urbanization changes in the Ratnapura District to strengthen and promote the district's traditional Gem Industry.