Sri Lanka’s Cabinet re-appoints Surbana Jurong to drive Hambantota district Master Plan
Daily FT: The long-awaited development of Hambantota district is set to gain momentum again, as the Cabinet of Ministers on 10 July approved to entrust the responsibility of preparing a master plan to Singapore-based renowned Surbana Jurong Ltd., again.
“Although the Cabinet had previously approved the appointment of Surbana Jurong Ltd., in 2018 to obtain consultation services for a regional plan and a detailed master plan of Greater Hambantota, the implementation of the decision had been pending. Now, recognizing the significance of Hambantota’s development, the Government has deemed it appropriate to engage the same consultancy firm that was entrusted with preparing master plans for Colombo city, the Western province, and the strategic development of the tourist zone in the Eastern province,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Banduala Gunawarena said.
Speaking at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing he said by assigning the responsibility to Surbana Jurong Ltd., the Government aims to leverage the expertise and experience of the consultancy firm in urban planning and strategic development.
Surbana Jurong is a global urban, infrastructure and managed services consulting firm with over 70 years of track record in successful project delivery.
“This strategic move aligns with the Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in Hambantota district, unlocking its full potential and creating new opportunities for the local population. The preparation of a comprehensive master plan will play a crucial role in guiding the district’s development activities. It will provide a roadmap for infrastructure development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social progress,” Minister Gunawardena added.
He also emphasized on the importance of hiring international experts for such development projects insisting that Sri Lanka lacks knowledge in those areas.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s focus on moving ahead with the country’s development programmer also covers regional development. The Hambantota District in the country’s deep south has the potential to grow as another business hub in the country given that the district has an international airport and port with an investment zone adjoining the port. The Hambantota Port is the closest port to the international maritime lanes and Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean has increased the growth potential of the Hambantota district. Foreign businesses/investors exploring business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka could also look at the expanding opportunities in the other regions in the country.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20230725/Z_16 |