The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for a proposal presented by the President to limit the construction of new buildings that exceed four floors in the Nuwara Eliya district starting May 1st. The Cabinet highlighted that improper development in the Nuwara Eliya region has negatively impacted the city’s aesthetics and consequently harmed its tourism industry. To rectify this issue, the Cabinet declared the necessity of creating a detailed tourism development master plan that would provide an optimal environment for tourism growth in the region. The Cabinet released a statement explaining the decisions taken.
In response to the stated needs, the Cabinet has authorized the President’s proposals to devise the Nuwara Eliya Tourism Development Master Plan, which will be overseen by the Presidential Secretariat, and all relevant stakeholders will be involved. Additionally, the Cabinet has granted approval to establish a task force led by the Governor of the Central Provinces to regulate new construction projects and enforce the provisions of the Urban Development Authority Act, which restricts the construction of buildings exceeding four stories in the Nuwara Eliya District as of May 1st, 2023.
Overall, the Cabinet’s approval of the President’s proposals will aid in the proper development of the Nuwara Eliya district, enhance the aesthetics of the city, and boost the tourism industry. The creation of a detailed tourism development master plan and the regulation of construction projects will also foster a conducive environment for tourism growth in the area.
