Kelaniya Development Plan (2021 - 2030)

It is expected to prepare a methodical development plan for a selected area in keeping with the identification of potentials of the area, specifying future vision, whereby physical, social, and economic improvement of the people is achieved. The Urban Development Authority (UDA) of Sri Lanka is the authorized institution for preparing Integrated Development Plans for development areas declared under UDA Law No. 41 of 1978. It is also empowered to UDA to prepare integrated development plans with the provision under Section 8 a (1) of UDA Amendment Law No. 4 of 1982. Accordingly, the Kelaniya area within the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat, part of 1987, was established as a DSD and also declared as an urban development area under Section 3 of UDA Law No. 41 of 1978, as per Extraordinary Gazette No. 1171/10 dated 13th February 2001. Yet there is no proper development plan prepared until 2018. Hence, as per the strategic plan for the period of 2018-2022 of the UDA, it is decided to prepare a strategic plan for the Kelaniya PS area. Accordingly, attention has been focused on preparing a physical development plan for urban development areas and also considering the complexity of urbanization and deciding to prepare a strategic plan for the Kelaniya PS area. Accordingly, a strategic plan has been prepared for the Kelaniya PS area as a divisional-level plan covering the period of 2021–2030. This Development Plan intends to minimize urban congestion, protect the natural environment and heritage of the Kelaniya Sacred Area, and expedite socio-economic development. The Eighth Policy discusses the "new approach in the National Spatial System” under the tenfold key policies contained in the current Government National Manifesto. It will restructure the entire urban environment and introduce a C-shaped economic corridor that connects all intermediate cities and physical areas, giving access to major ports and airports, which is expedited. Among the four multi-dimensional commercial cities—connecting cities, national cities & cluster cities—Kelaniya can be identified as an intermediate city with economic value centered on the Port of Colombo. Accordingly, steps have been taken to formulate plans in the Kelaniya Development Plan, taking into account the new approach of spatial systems through the National Manifesto.