Dr Sarath Obeysekera

Establishment of the Multimodal Transport hub in Battaramulla

The traffic congestion in Battaramulla area with relocating all administrative bodies in the area should be reduced. It has been proposed to establish multi-modal transport facilities such as bus, light rail transits, elevated highways, and internal water transportation to cater the increasing demand. Accordingly, the proposal made by Megapolis and Western Development Mnister Patali Champika Ranawaka, to implement mixed development project adjacent to ‘Suhurupaya’ with public private partnership including multimodal transport hub, office spaces of 113,000 square feet, residential flats of 33,000 square feet, commercial spaces of 60,000 square feet, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Relocation of Manning Market Pettah to Peliyagoda

The Manning Market is to be relocated in Peliyagoda area and use the space vacated for building the main building of Multi Mode Transport Hub proposed to be established under the Western Megapolis Plan. The required constructions to relocate about 1,200 traders in the market are in progress in a land owned by the State Engineering Corporation. However, the construction of Multi Mode Transport Hub should be commenced without a delay and it is required to relocate traders as soon as possible. Accordingly, the joint proposal made by Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and Housing and Construction Minister Sajith Premadasa, to obtain an adjacent land owned by the State Engineering Corporation of about 06 acres in Peliyagoda area on 03 years lease basis, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

We  proposed to the Hon Minster to allow Private Public Partnership program to assist megapolis to execute the ambitious project listed above .Unfortunately the management in Megapolis has not  been able to understand how to implement PPP,They want to be transparent due to fear of being persecuted ,and they want to first call EOI and then RFP .This procedure is time consuming and will fail .

We  suggested to allow private company to build  large barges /landing crafts to be deployed in Kelani River from Hanwalle  to Mattakuliya which can carry 10-15 lorries transporting  vegetables from upcountry via Hatton .These lorries will create such congestion along Kelany Valley road and Low Level Road  and choke both Kelani bridges .Lorries brought in using barges should be driving out from the barges from Kelani River at the pier to be constructed near the SEC land in Peliyagoda and cross Negombo Road to bring vegetables to New Manning Market.

Irrigation Department is the authority of Kelani River but Megapolis has not made any inquiry with Irrigation Department on how to implement a such program. Megapolis is talking about Swiss Challenge Programs,EOI’s RFPS’ and want to follow government procedures ,This will further delay the project.

Another proposal was made to build few 50- passenger transport boats to ply from Battaramulle to Wellawattte and along Beira Lake .Then again a team of academics appointed by the Hon Minister has no clue on how to implement   such programs. They are talking about  EOI and a RFP to be called which take another few years.

I have a feeling that there are people who have vested interest in earning a fast buck within  these teams who do not want other companies creeping in .

It is essential to show the public that Megapolis  is capable of solving issues related to transport .Unless PPP is fully implemented ASAP we will not  see any results in the near future .

Dr Sarath Obeysekera