The President reviewed the progress of initiatives being implemented to develop Galle, a World Heritage city, as a leading cultural and tourist destination. Discussions also focused on challenges encountered in the implementation of the project and possible solutions to address them.
Special attention was given to securing the land required for the relocation of several key public institutions currently located within the city centre, including the police station, post office, prison and nursing training school.
The meeting also discussed measures to attract investment and secure funding for new development projects.
Emphasising the need to develop Galle within the framework of a comprehensive and well-planned urban development strategy, the President highlighted the importance of close coordination among all relevant government institutions. The President noted that such collaboration is essential in matters relating to urban planning, the relocation of government institutions outside the Galle Fort area, the construction of buildings, roads and other infrastructure, as well as the effective and productive utilisation of land resources.The President further pointed out that the Urban Development Authority bears a particularly significant responsibility in ensuring the successful implementation of these development initiatives.
Extensive deliberations were held on plans to develop the Galle Fort and its surrounding coastal area as a premier tourist destination while ensuring the preservation of its heritage value.
Attention was further directed towards the establishment of a central administrative complex to accommodate all government offices in Galle, enabling the public to access services more conveniently. Discussions also covered road development projects centred on Galle City, as well as proposals for the development of the existing School of Aesthetic Studies.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Members of Parliament Nishantha Perera, T. K. Jayasundara, Nishantha Samaraweera, Hasara Liyanage and Thilanka U. Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Engineer L. B. Kumudulal, Director General of the Ministry of Health H. M. N. Dinipriya, Additional Director General of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board V. Vasudevan, Director of the Department of National Planning S. A. R. Tharanga, Director General of the Department of National Budget Jude Nilukshan, Director General of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, Engineer S. A. K. Subasinghe, Additional General Manager of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Engineer N. R. S. Wickramasinghe, Chief Secretary of the Southern Province Chandima C. Muhandiramge, Secretary to the Chief Ministry of the Southern Province Krisantha W. Mahendra, Director of the Southern Province Urban Development Authority Thushani de Alwis, Galle District Secretary K. U. Chandralal and officials and representatives of all institutions involved in the implementation of the Galle City Development Project under the Urban Development Authority
