Sunday Observer Online
 

Home

Sunday, 11 October 2015

Untitled-1

observer
 ONLINE


OTHER PUBLICATIONS


OTHER LINKS

Marriage Proposals
Classified
Government Gazette

Colombo likely to slip further in Global Competitive Index - Survey

Global Competitive Index surveys reveal Colombo will slip to the 108th position within the next 10 years, behind a host of Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai.

Sri Lanka ranked 102 among 120 cities in the Global Competitive Index compiled by the Intelligence Unit of the ‘Economist’.

Current projections are that Colombo will fall behind Gulf cities of Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Far Eastern cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta.

Experts at a panel discussion last week to launch the LBR LBO Infrastructure Summit, said it is imperative to take cognizance of the fact that Colombo will lose its competitiveness as a city and that urgent steps should be taken to improve infrastructure to be a business hub in the region.

It is estimated that around 50 percent of the global population live in cities due to connectivity and accessibility. However, environmental safety and land availability have aggravated due to rapid urbanisation and population density in cities.

Experts said that the move to create a megapolis in line with mega cities across the world would be a shot in the arm for business and residency in the city which will receive a complete facelift following the completion of the project as specified by the government.

Founder Publisher and Director, LBR LBO, Lakshaman Bandaranayake said Colombo has great potential to be a global city due to its geographic location and close proximity to maritime sea routes which are strategic advantages for global business.

It is not only access to the ‘Silk Route’ that global cities compete for but also for capital, talent and ideas. A key feature of the summit will be on how digital technology would enable and enhance city life and administration.

Cities of the future. How do we built them?, making Colombo a global city. Opportunities and challenges, creating a world-class transportation system in Colombo and re-imagining cities through technology are some of the major areas that will be discussed at the summit which will be held from November 3-4 in Colombo.

The event is expected to bring over 25 local and global urban thought leaders, technologists, industry and development experts, financial intermediaries, academics and researchers.

A spokesman for Millennium IT, a partner of the event, said MIT has a rich tradition in building information infrastructure and added that with its experience and partnership it is perfectly positioned to transform Colombo to a global city.

MIT is involved in connecting cities through smart transportation and hospitality solutions. “There is no better time than this when attention is on transforming cities. Around 50 percent of energy consumption will be in cities. Transforming cities, getting connected and accelerating innovation are imperative to transform cities,” a Microsoft official said.

 - LF

 

 | EMAIL |   PRINTABLE VIEW | FEEDBACK

Daily News & Sunday Observer subscriptions
eMobile Adz
 

| News | Editorial | Finance | Features | Political | Security | Sports | Spectrum | World | Obituaries | Junior |

 
 

Produced by Lake House Copyright © 2015 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Comments and suggestions to : Web Editor