The Ministry of Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage, in association with Singapore Corporation Enterprise and Temasek foundation in Singapore is conducting this workshop from 6th to 8th of April 2015 focusing on ‘Overview to Integrated City Planning.

While delivering his speech as the Chief Guest, Minister Hakeem further said, "This is a timely and a significant Programme. Sri Lanka’s urbanization is slow compared to other highly populated South Asian countries. By acting now Sri Lanka can take full advantage of the economic benefits of urban transition while mitigating the problems associated with rapid urbanization”.

Ministry Secretary Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Project Director, Metro Colombo urban Development Programme Eng. Rohan Senaviratne, CEO Singapore corporation Enterprise Kong Wy Mun, CEO Temasek Foundation Benedict Cheong, Director Center for Liveable Cities Julian Goh also addressed the gathering.

UDA Chairman Ranjit Fernando, Director General Nayana Mawilmada, SLLRDC General Manager Mrs. Srimathie Senadeera, Mayor of Colombo A.J.M. Muzammil, Mayor of Kalmunai Nizam Kariyappar, Directors of UDA and SLLRDC and the Additional Secretaries of the Ministry also participated at the inaugural session.

A collaboration document was been signed by Secretary of the Urban Development, Water supply and Drainage Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi and CEO Singapore corporation Enterprise Kong Wy Mun witnessed by Minister Rauff Hakeem and other guests.

The objective of this capacity building programme was to enhance the knowledge of 150 Sri Lankan officials on integrated master planning and urban development by sharing the best practices of Singapore’s development experience. Key areas discussed included housing design and community building, water infrastructure development and greening, master plan review and government land sales.