Minister of Urban Development Prasanna Ranatunga says relevant units have been advised to fast track development initiatives in Colombo, Hambantota, Trincomalee and Jaffna.
The Urban Development Ministry issuing a statement said the cities are identified as the four major cities for physical resource development.
Minister Ranatunga said nine economic corridors have been identified connecting the four cities.
The Ministry noted that Colombo has been identified as the main commercial and financial hub of the country while the Urban Development Authority has already published the Colombo City Development Plan for the next eight years via a Gazette.
Under this programme, the Kirimandala Mawatha City Development Project and the Urban Revitalization Housing Projects are underway while the Borella city development plan is being compiled.
The Ministry stated that the Hambantota City Development Plan will be updated while the international conference hall, port, Mattala Airport, dry zone botanical garden and administrative complex identified under this plan have already been completed.
The preparation of the Trincomalee City Development Plan has already commenced to identify Trincomalee as a major commercial city and include several local government bodies.
Accordingly, the Trincomalee port development, oil terminal development and Kappalthurai industrial zone are expected to be developed while arrangements have been made to prepare plans in consultation with the relevant institutions.
Minister Ranatunga said a development plan for the Jaffna Peninsula is also being prepared and under the plan the Kankasanthurai city development, port development, expansion of the Palali airport facilities, industrial and information technology development and several mixed development projects are expected to be implemented.
The Urban Development Minister said alongside these four major city development projects, Dambulla, Kandy and Galle development efforts have also commenced.