COLOMBO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's government has allocated 600 million rupees (1.86 million U.S. dollars) in the annual budget for the implementation of a program to uplift least developed towns in the country, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said on Monday.
The ministry, in a statement, said the development of common markets in the towns and cities such as Gampaha, Avissawella, Horana, Panadura and Minuwangoda and the development of the bus stands in Mullaitivu in the Northern Province and the coastal park in Nintavur are among the projects coming under this program.
According to the ministry, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has given instruction for the implementation of the program to develop the towns with the least facilities, with the development of urban parks, multi-purpose buildings and walking paths also coming under this program.
The ministry said 100 towns and cities were identified for the program launched in 2021, and it was extended to cover 116 towns in 2022. ■
