Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratne told The Island Financial Review that Kalutara had become a fast developing district excelling the other districts because it was a historical town with Kalutara Bo-Tree which was being worshiped by almost all travellers. The pristine beauty of the town had been receding due to presence of moribund building complexes, shanty –dwellings and improper disposal of garbage collections.

Minister Senaratne said that a constructive Action Plan to develop the Kalutara town had been formulated by his Ministry and the Cabinet had given the green light to ahead with the proposed plan. Under the Kalutara Development Plan, the town would be developed with all modern conveniences required by people and tourists.

Minister Senaratne said that the Development Plan encompasses development and refurbishment of all religious places, housing schemes, shopping complexes, courts, police stations, bus stands, hotels, hospitals and playgrounds. With the application of modern architecture the public utilities would be refurbished with attractive designs to lure both local and foreign tourists. In accordance with the environmental designs approved by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) all real estate properties would be created to an acceptable standard.

Referring to the Development Plan, Minister Senaratne said that the government had an intention of making the Kalutara town the second capital of the country after the completion of all development activities.