Constitutional reforms to enable rapid development - Minister Wimal Weerawansa

The Government will amend the Constitution to fulfil the aspirations of the people through social transformation and sustainable development, said Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa inaugurating the second phase of the Nagamu Puravara program in and around Colombo. The inauguration coincided with the World Habitat Day held on August 28 at Navagampura housing scheme of Baseline Road, Colombo.

Theme for the World Habitat Day this year 2010 was “Better City - Better Life”. To coincide with World Habitat Day 170 renovation programs of 70 housing schemes in Colombo city have been implemented to uplift infrastructure facilities of housing schemes. The overall cost for these programs were estimated at Rs 35 million.

The amendment to the Sri Lanka Constitution will be made under three phases shortly to enable to expedite development process under peaceful atmosphere after the end of 30 years prolong conflict of this country, the Minister said.

“Today, unauthorized constructions are the main problem in urban development activities. Under the guidance of the President a systematic development program is being implemented in urban areas. In parallel to these development activities, settlement development programs will also be implemented systematically. The unauthorized constructions will be dismantled to streamline the systematic development of the settlements with the intention of providing better living conditions in a hygienic and eco-friendly environment,” he said.