Kremlin-style re-structuring project under Megapolis Plan

In a Kremlin-style restructuring project under the Master Megapolis Plan, 113 government institutions will be shifted to Battaramulla. President's House and the Secretariat will be set up close to the reclaimed land near Parliament and the Prime Minister's residence and office complex will be on the other side.

The Cabinet secretariat and offices of independent commissions will also be set up close by, bringing the entire building blocks to a structure that is similar to Kremlin. Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka told the Sunday Observer that the 113 government institutions to be relocated are now being identified and include departments and ministries. These government offices will be relocated in Sethsiripaya and down Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha in Battaramulla.

Two of the main institutions to be shifted to Battaramulla include the Postal Department and Public Administration. The entire project will take 10-years to complete.

The Ministry has also prepared a master plan to modernize the bus transport system and existing rail transport system in consultation with professionals, experts and other stakeholders.

The plan has looked at all transport systems such as LRT, BRT, Monorail, elevated roads and transport multi-modal hubs.

"We will begin the project by setting up an improved public transport system and a new railway network, providing an efficient transport service to office workers and the public," the Minister said. By then Battaramulla will also become a main transport hub.

"The first building of the Kremlin-style plan will come up within the next three years. We plan to raise funds through local banks.

Most of these government buildings are anyway rented. When our own buildings are set up, costs will not be a burden," he added.

(CJ)