National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

02: The Context

2.1 The National Physical Planning Department 2.2.1 Short Term Targets (03-05 years : 2025)

The National Physical Planning Department is the successor to the former Town & Country a. 05% - 06% steady growth in national economy
Planning Department, which was established under the provisions of ‘Town & Country Planning b. 1,000,000 employment opportunities
Ordinance No. 13 of 1946’. The amendment to the said Ordinance by ‘Act No. 49 of 2000’, enabled
the reestablishment of the Department with changes to the original scope of its work. As per the c. 100 Economic Development Zones
amendment the Powers and Functions of the Department are given in Section 5A of the Act as
follows: d. Increased opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment

1.To formulate a National Physical Planning Policy e. Balanced development across the Island

2.To prepare a National Physical Plan f. Preserved traditional agriculture, traditional industries,cultural landscapes and
traditions
3.To prepare physical planning guidelines to be adopted by the regional or local physical planning
authorities. g. Sustainable use of land, water and other resources

4.To prepare any regional or local plan where the regional or local planning authority fails in, or
requests 2.2.2. Medium Term Targets ( within 15 years : 2035)

5.To assist Provincial Councils in the preparation of Regional Physical Plans a. Transformation in the economy from conventional industries to high-techand and
knowledge based industries.
6.To make recommendations to the coordinating committee on plans
b. Increased accessibility across the Island
7.To review and examine, periodically the National Physical Planning Policy, National Physical
Plan and the strategy in operation c. Exploration for new resources for development

8.To monitor the implementation of the National Physical Plan

9.To assist the Council and the Coordinating Committee in all activities 2.2.3. Long Term Targets (within 30 years: 2050)

Accordingly, the formulation of the National Physical Planning Policy and the National Physical a. Sustaining central water sources of the Island
Plan are the primary tasks assigned to the Department. b. Responding to effects of Climate Change

c. Encountering natural hazards

2.2 Development Targets of the Government of Sri Lanka d. Sustainable urbanization

The National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan intends to facilitate the development needs of e. Increased international trade
the nation. The development needs emerge from several domains such as economic, social and
environmental, and they inevitably vary from time to time. While some needs are long-lasting, the
others may be transitory and evolve into some other form. Thus, they can be identified in relation
to different time horizons.

Out of many official reports published by the Government and the statements made by His
Excellency the President, Honorable Prime Minister and the other leaders of the government, the
following could be identified as the current development targets of the Government.

02: The Context 2-1

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

2.3 Ongoing National Level Projects and Programmes

The National Physical Planning Policy is an overarching development guide for all sectors of development activities until 2030 can be met with the annual flows of these rivers if they are well
developments. The National Physical Plan is a composite of development projects those need to managed (Figure 2.5.2).
be implemented by different development agencies. The Policy and the Plan therefore, have to
The sources as well as the continuous flow of these rivers have been supported by the forest
incorporate a wide array of different projects and programmes prepared and implemented by
cover, especially in central highlands. The present forest cover of the island is limited to twenty-
different agencies. However, at the stage of this update of the National Physical Planning Policy
eight percent (28%) and under the UNREDD programme, the Government targets to increase it up
and the Plan a number of development projects and national level programmes, those have direct
to 32% within next ten years (Figure 2.5.3). Forests are also habitats for numerous species of wild
impact upon the physical environment of Sri Lanka, are already underway. They are essentially
life. However, as a result of unplanned physical developments the forests, coastal areas and the
reviewed and incorporated into this Policy and the Plan as appropriate.
central highlands are increasingly disturbed by various human activities. It is estimated that the
The list of development projects and programmes those are being implemented and under review, forest cover of the island has depreciated by more than 10% within the last decade.
and considered for this task are given in Appendix 2.3.
The increasing disaster situations such as frequent floods and landslides that Sri Lanka has been
experiencing in the recent past clearly show a relationship with the human intervention in the
2.4 International Conventions and Agreements natural settings, over and above its exposure to the effects of climate change. About twenty percent
of the total land area of the island is in central hill zone that has been declared as vulnerable to
Sri Lanka has been party to many international treaties and conventions. Among them, the United landslides, but accommodates a residential population of about four million (Figure 2.5.4).
Nations (UN) pioneered treaties take the lead. The most prominent is the Sustainable Development
Goals that all UN member states are bound to achieve by 2030, covering a wide array of Approximately another five percent of the land in the coastal zone, with about twenty percent of the
development matters those need to be addressed through physical panning. The Paris Agreement country’s residential population, is exposed to sea level rise and the other effects of climate.
under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on mitigating change. The on-going development pattern shows that the populations in both the central hills and
greenhouse gas emissions (2017) has a direct implication on the physical planning of all member the coastal areas have been gradually increasing over the last few decades (Figure 2.5.5). This, on
states. one hand accelerates the degradation of those fragile environments, whilst on the other increases
the vulnerability of those populations to disasters.
In addition to them, the agreements for regional corporation and inter-government trade and
defense related affairs too play a vital role in deciding future economic and socio-political In addition to the floods and landslides, cyclones are also experienced periodically in certain areas
landscape of the state and thereby the physical environment of the island. of the island (Figure 2.5.6).

The future physical developments in the country need to pay due regard to the conditions and the The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Sri Lanka extends over an area which is eight times larger
accomplishments envisaged by those conventions and agreements. The conventions and than the land area, but remains unexplored for its potentials (Figure 2.5.7). Still Sri Lankans enjoy
agreements reviewed for this updating exercise are given in Appendix 2.4. oceanic resources, marine eco systems and coastal riverine landscapes as a result of being an
island nation.

The infrastructure is a critical component for physical as well as socio-economic development of a

2.5 The State of the Physical Environment nation. While the availability of physical and social infrastructure is not a problem in most of the
sectors, the sustainability and utility are not commendable. For example, according to the World
The total land extent of Sri Lanka is limited to 65,610 square kilometers for which it has been Bank (2015), Sri Lanka is a country in the region that has a widely distributed road and service
placed among the smallest twenty third nation states of the world. Yet, the land has inherited an network, but is poorly maintained. Apart from that, the excessive designs and non-consideration of
envisioned of high bio diversity, natural ecosystems and attractive geographic settings and also cost-effective and more productive alternatives, especially in the development of transport
complimented with historically evolved cultural landscapes and traditions continued by its infrastructure, is another form of suboptimum utility. Similar reflections are also observable in
inhabitants. education infrastructure, public administration, etc.
Water is one of the scare resources that Sri Lanka is gifted with, owing to the tropical weather In this context, planned physical development is a necessity and not an option for Sri Lanka to
conditions. There are 103 rivers radiating throughout the island from central hills and serving water move forward into the next stage of development.
needs for consumption, irrigation, power generation and to maintain numerous ecosystems
associated with those water ways (Figure 2.5.1). In spite of seasonal variations, the annual
precipitations and the discharged quantities show that the water demand for regular uses and

02: The Context 2-2

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Figure 2.5.1: Major Rivers, Tanks (Weva) and Reservoirs of Sri Lanka Figure 2.5.2: River Basins of Sri Lanka and Annual Flows
Average Annual Receipt based on Precipitation (2000-2012) Average Annual Discharge at the Destination (2000 -2012)

Availability for further use(Discharge - Use) as at 2017

02: The Context 2-3

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Figure 2.5.3: The Forest Cover by Type Figure 2.5.4: Central Environmental Fragile Area

02: The Context 2-4

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Figure 2.5.5: Ongoing Development Trend Pattern Figure 2.5.7: Exclusive Economic Zone and Extension Potentials

Figure 2.5.6: Disaster Prone Areas

Areas vulnerable to Floods, Landslides and Tsunami Cyclones and strong winds

2.6 State of the Economy

02: The Context 2-5

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

The current Gross National Product of Sri Lanka is recorded as Rs. million 11,506,217 (US$ million to meet the emerging demand for employment in the next few decades. Yet, with the limited
79,353). The annual GDP growth rate varied from 6% to 4% over last ten years (2006-2016). The physical resources that it possesses compared to the other competitors in the region and around
per capita GDP remains Rs. 558,363 (US$ 3,835) range as at 2016, and the Government targets to the globe, value addition, product development and transit services and capitalizing upon its
bring it to Rs. 1,776,250 (US$ 12,250) range by 2030, which will elevate Sri Lanka to the state of a strategic geographic location are the best possible option presently available for a sustainable
‘Developed Nation’. growth in Sri Lanka’s economy.

Sri Lanka is facing many constraints in its journey towards a developed nation. On one hand, the Finally, it has to ensure that the developments and their benefits reach all throughout the country,
present status of the country indicates the need for an increased investment in some critical irrespective of age, ethnic and location differences. It is widely discussed that even at the electronic
infrastructure development, employment generation and socio-economic development within next age, the physical accessibility still decides the demand for locations. Higher accessibility leads to
few years. It is estimated that approximately rupees three hundred trillion is required for immediate higher potential for development, and the accessibility is dependent upon connectivity. Therefore,
improvements in road developments, transportation, health and education infrastructure, urban in order to have a balanced development with wider outreach to communities all over the island,
facilities, agriculture and fisheries, social welfare, etc., within next five years. On the other hand, the differences in connectivity, owing to distance and the variations in geographic conditions, need to
current situation in the national economy provides less space for the Government to undertake be ironed out through appropriate means of communication. Planned physical environment is
large scale investments within next ten years, due to high debt to GDP ratio and the reduced important to facilitate such modes of communication.
repayment capacity. Therefore, Sri Lanka has no option but to resort to a balanced path that will
bring the economy to a comfortable debt ratio by 2025. The optimum use of the available resources
2.7 Population and the Settlement Distribution Pattern
to provide the economical and sustainable opportunities is thus, the only way to deal with this
situation.
According to the National Census 2012, the total population of Sri Lanka is 20,359,439, and is
growing at a low rate of 1.1, which is below the Global average growth rate. It is projected that with
The Western province of the island has the largest concentration of economic activities, causing
the present rate of growth the total pollution is unlikely to exceed twenty-two million (22.0 million) by
many disparities across the island. It is noted that more than 25% of the total population, 40% of
2030, and if the trends continue, it will reach maximum twenty-four million (24.0 million) by 2050.
the GDP contribution and more than 50% of the physical infrastructure concentration is in the 5% of
the island’s land space demarcated as the Western Province. The connectivity between distant Out of the total population the active labour force is 51.6% and the dependency ratio is 48.4% The
areas and the modes of access are at relatively lower levels compared to the relatively shorter ratio is likely to increase within next ten years. This indicates that the labour force has to engage in
distances to them from Colombo which is the epicenter of this concentration. As a result, there are highly productive sectors in order to meet the increasing costs on social welfare. This requirement
issues related to the inequity in providing basic facilities, employment opportunities, income for more productive engagement is further highlighted by the increasing education attainment of the
distribution, accessibility to education, health and other services. Such imbalances have already upcoming generations of the population. The figures for consecutive years up to 2012 show an
paved way to conflict situations in the Northern and Southern parts of the island in the recent past. increasing pattern in tertiary education all over the island in general and relatively higher rates in
certain regions (Figure 2.7.1). The populations with higher education attainments necessarily
As stated earlier, in order to bring better economic future to Sri Lanka, the government will have to
demand high end employment. Within the current context, the provision of such employment
work in many fronts. Firstly, it has to create an environment conducive for both local and foreign
opportunities are possible with the developments in trade and services, finance, information
direct investments. While most of the conditions depend on the fiscal and monitory policies of the
technology and innovation based industries.
government, the enabling physical environment is a critical factor for an investor to be attracted to a
location.
The changing demand pattern for more productive employment is further indicated by the changing
unemployment patterns throughout the island. Except for Northern and Eastern provinces, whose
Secondly, it has to improve the necessary physical, social and economic infrastructure required to
statistics are not clear, a positive relationship is observable between the changing education
facilitate effective and long lasting development programmes. The fast evolving technology and
attainment and the changing unemployment ratios (Figure 2.7.2).
ever modernizing means of communication necessitates Sri Lanka to act fast and chose the most
appropriate, economical and efficient strategies to improve its infrastructure.
The general population distribution pattern throughout the island from the first census year 1881 to
Thirdly, it has to ensure that the forthcoming investments generate employment opportunities those the latest 2012, show a dramatic shift of the population and settlement distribution pattern (Figure
will match the demands of the relatively higher literate and trainable labour force. With the 2.7.3). At the early census years (1881) the distribution pattern retained the population centre of
increased attainment in tertiary education and the prevalent trends of youth deviating from farming mass associated within close proximities to Kandy. The subsequent census figures lead to observe
and other traditional means of employment, Sri Lanka will have to shift from the conventionally a gradual shift of the population centre of mass towards Colombo until 1981, and then towards
hailed agriculture and low-key manufacturing sectors to high-tech and innovation based industries central hills by 2012 (Figure 2.7.4). Even though this can be regarded as a hypothetical
phenomenon, it can be related to the shift of political stronghold of the island.

02: The Context 2-6

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Figure 2.7.1: Changing Pattern of Tertiary Education Attainment (2001-2012)

(by Divisional Secretariat Areas) Figure 2.7.2: The Changing Pattern of Unemployment 2001 – 2012
(by Divisional Secretariat Areas)

02: The Context 2-7

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Figure 2.7.3: The Changing Pattern of Population Distribution Figure 2.7.4: The shifting Population Center of Mass (1881 -2012)

∫
D = md /M

D = Distance (Co-ordinates), m= Mass (Population) in DS Div,

¯
d = Distance of Town Center, M= Total Mass (population)
Jaffna
.
!

Kilinochchi
.
!
Mullaittivu Legend
.
!
A class road network
Mannar
.
!

Vavunia
.
!
Trincomalee
.
!

Anuradhapura
.
!

Puttalam
.
!
Polonnaruwa
.
!
Dambulla .
!

Batticaloa
.
!

KurunegalaMatale
.
! .
!
1881
Ampara
Kegalle Kandy .
!
.
! .
!
2011
Gampaha
.
!
1991 Nuwara Eliya Badulla
Colombo .
! .
!
.
! Monaragala
.
!
Ratnapura
.
!
Kalutara
.
!

Hambanthota 0 20 40 80 Kilometers
Galle .
!
.
! Matara Prepared by- National Physical Planning Department
.
!

02: The Context 2-8

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Figure 2.8.1: Urban Areas (Municipal Councils and Urban Councils Areas) 2.8 The Urbanization Process

Urbanization has gained wide attention throughout the globe for its inevitable consequences as well
as for the enormous opportunities that it will provide for economic progress and better quality of life.
It is recorded that more than half of the world population is already urbanized and by 2030 more
than seventy percent of the populations will be living in urban areas. The situation in South Asia will
be eighty percent (80%) with the present development trends. In that context, in its roadmap
towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals UN too has emphasized the need for National
Urban Agenda for each nation state.

The population and household census 2012 shows that less than 20%out Sri Lanka’s population is
‘urban’, defined as those who live in the areas under the jurisdictions of Municipal Councils and
Urban Councils (Figure 2.8.1). Yet, there is a mismatch between the figures and the ground
realities, as more areas than those under Municipal or Urban councils are already urban in their
functions and outlook.

An independent study carried out by the University of Moratuwa reveals that ‘Urbanization’ in Sri
Lanka is unique compared to many other countries and rather different from the conventional
understanding of the urbanization process. Instead of populations moving into urban areas, urban
facilities are fast reaching out into populations at large and urban lifestyles and aspirations are fast
embraced by the people, even though they live away from designated urban areas. Accordingly,
the urbanization of a population is not an instantaneous phenomenon. Rather, it is a continuous
transformative process and thus, at a given point in time, varying shares of the population are
urbanized at different levels(Table 2.1).

Irrespective of where they live, increased access to urban facilities such as the pipe-borne water
supply, grid based electricity, municipal waste collection, street lights and other public services is
the first indicator of becoming ‘urban’. The changing lifestyles from ‘rural’ to ‘urban’ with increasing
dependence on non-primary sector based livelihood, housing conditions those are ‘urban’ in
character and the use of urban amenities, is the second indicator. The ‘urban’ aspirations reflected
by the increased leverage towards service sector based and white and blue collar employment
opportunities and the declining engagement in conventional agriculture and fisheries based
activities is the third indicator.

The ‘urbanizing’ of the populations is continuing and at present (2016), it has been observed that
more than eighty-five percent (85%) of the population is more than 30% urbanized and settled in
about fifty-five percent (55%) of the island’s land area. Within the same cohort, and in a cumulative
counting, more than forty two percent (42%) of the population is more than forty percent (40%)
urbanized and are settled in about eight percent (8%) of the total land area, which can be
considered as the ‘sub-urban’ level, while more than a quarter (26%) of the population is already
more than half (50%) urbanized and settled in about three percent (03%) of the land area, which
can be considered as the ‘urban’ land area of the island. In a broad picture nearly half (50%) share
of the Sri Lanka’s population is more than forty percent (40%) urbanized and are concentrated into
about one tenth (12%) of the total land area of the island (Figure 2.8.2). With the prevalent
patterns, it can be forecasted that about eighty percent (80%) of the population will reach the level
of more than sixty percent (60%) urban by 2030, and will be scattered throughout the island.

02: The Context 2-9

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Table 2.1: The Level of Urbanized Populations and Lands Figure 2.8.2: Urbanizing Areas of Sri Lanka
(As identified by the study on Urbanization in Sri Lanka by the University of Moratuwa)

Level of 'Urban' %
% of the Cumulative % Cumulative %
(percentile Land Extent of
Total population Population Land Extent
category) Settlement

91-100 0.54 0.54 0.03 0.03

81-90 1.67 2.21 0.1 0.13
71-80 5.28 7.49 0.37 0.5
61-70 6.37 13.86 0.56 1.06
51-60 12.17 26.03 1.86 2.92
41-50 16.71 42.74 5.27 8.19
31-40 41.7 84.44 36.91 45.1
21-30 12.57 97.01 32.87 77.97
11-19.9 2.85 99.86 19.05 97.02
0 -10 0.15 100.01 2.96 99.98

It is important to note that the fast evolving technology is increasingly converge the distance
between places on one hand and increasing the connectivity and the mobility of the people on the
other hand. These inevitable technological advances will fast transform the lifestyles, utility patterns
and the aspirations of both the present and the future generations of the population within next few
years.

The likely consequence will be the increasing demand for more employment opportunities in non-
conventional sectors, which are essentially associated with ‘urban’ way of life. Thus, the demand
for urban infrastructure provision into distant arras will become a necessity. Resulting further
growth of settlements in to reserved area and the likely destruction of natural settings and
resources, seeking for modern developments will be inevitable with such patterns of development.

Unless the ongoing urbanizing process will be arrested in a healthy manner into a designated area,
the haphazard physical development will be the outcome.

02: The Context 2 - 10

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

2.9 The Problem Statement

The ongoing physical development scenario will cause several problems to Sri Lanka’s landscape, The noncompliance also causes several other problems. On one hand, since the plans are
national economy and its inhabitants: prepared expecting the best opportunities through the most effective means of implementation,
deviations from such plans often delay the achievement of timely targets, thereby losing the best
The first is the cost of sub-optimum utility of resources. It can be observed that most of the opportunities targeted by the plans. On the other hand, since the plans were intended to achieve
available resources are not utilized to the best of their capacity, in the absence of access to such equity and balanced development, deviations usually affect the society at large by depriving
resources. Some of the highly potential attractions such as the beach fronts, wildlife locations and opportunities for all to share benefits. In addition to costs, the present process of development may
other scenic settings which are yet well exposed, the highly trainable human resources available also cause frustration and loss of confidence in the state amongst the public.
throughout the island waiting for appropriate opportunities, the large scale infrastructure developed
with heavy costs, and the lands suitable for various developments but not yet put into appropriate
uses are examples of such suboptimum utility.
2.10. The Expectations of the National Physical Plan
The scattered settlement distribution pattern in the island causes high costs in providing and
maintaining necessary infrastructure such as roads, service networks, etc. Lack of a futuristic and The National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan are intended to address the following
holistic vision for the development of physical environment and incremental investments in urban expectations of the Nation:
development and related infrastructure in inappropriate locations enhances the prevalent scattered
development. 1. Guiding future physical developments of the country in a desirable direction with due
considerations on the scarce land, water, human and other resources, invaluable natural
The second is the cost of opportunities. On one hand there is a large number of National, Sub- and cultural heritage, and strategic global positioning.
national and Local Level plans, projects and programmes available with different development
agencies, but they are mostly disintegrated and disjointed. This situation is caused in the absence 2. Making a physical environment that is attractive for local and foreign investments in highly
of effective coordination among the agencies. The non-coordinated implementation of projects productive sectors of the economy aiming to generate more employment opportunities for
results in conflicts between different projects, implementation processes and the development the upcoming generations.
agencies, and finally costs to the economy.
3. Directing future government investments on infrastructure into most appropriate and
On the other hand, the strategic location that Sri Lanka is positioned geographically and the highly
strategic locations in the most economical manner ensuring their optimum utility.
trainable workforce, both providing enormous opportunities to Sri Lanka with the currently evolving
technological advances such as the globally embraced ‘disruptive innovative technologies’, and the
4. Attraction of the slowly growing, but rapidly urbanizing future populations into better
international geo-political affairs such as China’s One Route – One Belt policy’, are largely
serviceable areas of the island which are free from hazards and less vulnerable to disasters
neglected within the present day development scenarios. Such inattention will lead Sri Lanka to
and climate change effects.
miss the timely dividends that such opportunities otherwise could provide to boost the development
of the nation.

The third is the cost of degradation. Degradation is a result of both overuse and incompatible use. 2.11 The Updating Process
The use of some of the fragile natural environmental systems over and above their carrying
capacities is common in examples such as river sand mining, earth excavations and deforestation, The process that need to be followed for the preparation of a National Physical Plan is set out in
as well as in some environmental settings such as beach fronts, hill-country attractions, etc. the Town & Country Planning Ordinance No. 13 of 1946 and the amendment to the Ordinance by
Incompatible uses are mostly seen in the context of urban development, plantations and industrial Act No. 49 of 2000. Accordingly, the following aspects shall be considered in reviewing this
locations. Both incur irreversible costs to the physical environment and thereby, to the society and document:
the economy as a whole.

The fourth problem is the non-compliance. Non-compliance to the available plans and unplanned 2.11.1. The Sequence of Activities
developments at the local level has already caused several disasters over the last few years, In a summary, the process followed for the formulation of the Policy and the preparation of the Plan
causing much life and property damage. It has also caused inefficiency, congestion and other can be indicated as given below (Figure: 2.11).The process, up to the presentation to the National
externalities, especially in urban areas, chaos, pollution and public nuisance have become an Physical Planning Council, was carried out for eighteen months, commencing from June 2016.
integrated part of ongoing development. These also affect the quality of life of inhabitants, both in
urban and non-urban areas, parallel to the deterioration of the unique environments in them.

02: The Context 2 - 11

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

2.11.2. The Working Team At the final step of the process, upon the request made by the NPPD, His Excellency the President
summoned the members of the Council to the same meeting of the ‘National Economic Council’
In order to carryout various tasks involved in the updating process an in-house team of Town held on 16th January 2018. At the meeting the Director General of the NPPD requested permission
Planners, Architects, Engineers and Development Assistants was appointed. The list of the from His Excellency the President to consider the meeting as the first sitting of the National
members of the Working Team is given in Appendix 2.11.2. The Team has been working under the Physical Planning Council. Upon the permission, the updated Draft National Physical Planning
close supervision of the Director General of the National Physical Planning Department. Policy and the Plan– 2050 was presented to the members for comments.

Since the National Physical Planning Department did not have in-house expertise from all sectors, After the presentation, the NPPD was informed to distribute copies of the Draft National Physical
the needy inputs were obtained from the expertise available in relevant state sector agencies, who Planning Policy and the Plan – 2050 to the members of the Council to study and provide detail
are vested with powers and mandated by relevant statutes to provide such inputs to a National comments. Therefore, the NPPD distributed copies of the said Draft document to all members of
level project of this nature. The inputs were obtained in the form of written queries, individual the NPPC by 30th January 2018 and requested comments by 28th April 2018. Subsequently, a few
consultations as well as though ‘focus group’ discussions. members requested time till 30th May, which was accommodated.

Accordingly, the NPPD received comments from the members of the Council. The Policy and the
2.11.3 The Technical Advisory Committee Plan has been subjected to minor modifications based on the valid comments. The comments
received from the Members and the NPPD’s responses to those comments are given in the
As per the Section 5C of the said Amended Act to Town & Country Planning Ordinance, a Appendix 2.11.5a.
Technical Advisory Committee has been appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Megapolis
and Western Development on 2016.10.01. The role of this Committee is:
2.11.6. The Focus Groups
1. Advise the Director General of the National Physical Planning Department in the
formulation of the national physical planning policy and on the preparation of the national In addition to the general stakeholder consultations, focus group discussions were organized by the
physical plan; Working team. The focus groups and the members of those focus groups are given in Appendix
2.11.6.
2. Advise the Director General on the national physical planning strategy

3. Advise the Director General on any other matter relating to national and regional physical
planning that may be referred to the Advisory Committee by the Director General

The Committee has met on three occasions before the preparation of the Draft Policy and the Plan.
The list of the members of the Technical Advisory Committee is given in Appendix 2.11.3.

2.11.4 The Inter-Ministerial Co-ordination Committee

As per the provisions in Section 4A of the same Act an Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee
has been appointed. Under the current administrative situation, the Committee consisted of 40
members and the list of the members is given in Appendix 2.11.4.

2.11.5 The National Physical Planning Council

As per the provisions in Section 3 (1) of the Town & Country Planning Ordinance (Amended Act of
2000), the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC) has been in effect with the chairmanship of
His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. As indicated in the
provision, the current administrative arrangement necessitates the Council to be constituted of the
35 ex-officio members given in Appendix 2.11.5.

02: The Context 2 - 12

National Physical Planning Policy & the Plan – 2050

Figure 2.11: The Process followed for the preparation of the National Physical Planning Policy and
the Plan

Review of the Existing Plan + TAC Consultation

Preliminary Investigation and the Analysis of the Context

Conceptualization

Vision Formulation

Preliminary Planning and Policy Framework + TAC Consultation

Stakeholder Consultation + Focus Group Discussions

Detail Surveys and Analysis

Detail Draft Plan + TAC Consultation

Stakeholder Consultation and Review

Presentation to Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee

Final National Physical Planning Policy and the Plan

(Presentation to the National Physical Planning Council for Approval)

02: The Context 2 - 13