Ministry officials already planned a program to implement the projects related to the budget proposals – Hon. Minister Anura Karunathilaka states during the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Urban Development, Construction and Housing

Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, stated that discussions have already been held regarding the effective utilization of the funds allocated in the recent budget speech presented by the Hon. President to Parliament and the funds allocated for budget proposals. He emphasized that officials of institutions under the ministry have been tasked with planning and implementing projects based on a priority list to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity in utilizing the allocated funds within the respective financial year. Furthermore, the Minister underscored the importance of transparency in this process.

The Minister made these remarks during the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Urban Development, Construction and Housing for the first session of the Tenth Parliament held under his chairmanship on 27th February 2025 at Parliament.

Hon. Members of Parliament pointed out the lack of a proper mechanism to ensure the timely completion of urban development plans and the prioritization of projects that benefit the public. The Minister emphasized that the Urban Development Authority must obtain input and proposals from all relevant state institutions providing infrastructure services when formulating development plans. Furthermore, all responsible state institutions must act in accordance with the approved development plan during its implementation. The Minister pointed out that in the past, such coordination had not taken place, which had resulted in delays and inefficiencies in project execution.

Additionally, the Minister highlighted the need to introduce mechanisms to enhance inter-institutional coordination through District Development Committees and Regional Development Committees.

The committee also discussed various proposals and concerns raised by Members of Parliament, and the Chairman instructed officials to take these matters into consideration.

The meeting was attended by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Housing, T. B. Sarath, along with committee members, Members of Parliament, and senior officials representing institutions under the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing.