News

Urban population surpasses 44%

Published

1 year ago

October 19, 2023

editor

A recent survey conducted by the National Physical Planning Department has revealed that the urban population of Sri Lanka has increased to 44.57%.

According to this survey, out of the 12,773 Grama Niladhari (GN) Divisions in 276 Divisional Secretariat divisions, 3,025 GN Divisions have been identified as urban areas which is 23.68%.

Colombo has been named as the district with the highest percentage of urban population in the country which is 96.74%.

The urban population in Gampaha District is 76.76% and in Jaffna district 67.28%.

The lowest percentage of urban population is recorded in Mullaitivu District which is 2.84%.

The urbanization of the country was recorded as 18.2% according to the last survey conducted in 2012 regarding urbanization.

Urbanization of an area is measured based on several criteria.

Among them are criteria such as population, population density, number of supermarkets, clothing stores, filling stations, banks, private schools and private hospitals within 10 km, number of flats within a GN Division, percentage of houses provided on rent and lease basis and how many people are employed in the non-agricultural sector.

The purpose of this survey conducted by the National Physical Planning Department is to identify the urban areas in Sri Lanka and to systematically indicate the appropriate criteria for it.

The Cabinet had also appointed an advisory committee chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing to provide advice for this survey.

According to this survey, the two local councils of Homagama and Kolonnawa in Colombo District and all the local councils in Gampaha District have been rapidly urbanized, Director General of the Department Gamini Hewage said.

He also said that many areas in the other districts are also being rapidly urbanized.

This survey report is to be submitted to the Cabinet after getting approval from the President and all district committees.

News

13 reservoirs reach spill level

Published

22 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

editor

The Water Management Branch of the Irrigation Department has said that a total of 13 reservoirs have started spilling due to high rainfall in the catchment areas.The reservoirs of Mahakandarawa, Mahawilachchiya, Nuwara Wewa, Rajangana, Unnichchi, Muruthawela, Weerawila, Ellewela, Wemedilla, Mediyawa, Usgala, Ethimale and Wan Ela, have all reached spill level in this manner.

News

Schoolgirl abducted in Kandy found in Ampara, suspect arrested

Published

30 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

editor

Police have located the schoolgirl abducted in Daulagala, Kandy on Saturday (11).

The schoolgirl, along with the primary suspect involved in the abduction have been found by the police while they were boarded on a luxury bus that was scheduled to depart for Kandy near the Ampara Bus Stand today (13).

However, the suspect has now been arrested and the interrogations of the girl and the suspect are underway.

The abduction took place on the morning of January 11, 2025, in the Daulagala Police Division. Preliminary investigations had revealed that the primary suspect is a close relative—the son of the girl’s father’s sister.

Police said that the suspect abducted the girl following a disagreement over their proposed marriage. Initially, both families had consented to the union, but the girl’s father later withdrew his approval, triggering the conflict, according to police.

The schoolgirl, a resident of Handessa, was abducted on the morning of January 11 while on her way to school with a friend.

The van used in the abduction was discovered abandoned in Polonnaruwa by local police the same day. Subsequently, officers from Daulagala Police apprehended the van driver, a 30-year-old resident of Kahatapitiya, Gampola, in the Gampola area on January 12.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Related News :

More details revealed on abduction of schoolgirl in Daulagala

News

President AKD to leave for China today

Published

38 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Disanayake is set to depart the country this evening (Jan. 13) for a four-day state visit to the People’s Republic of China.

This visit, taking place from Jan. 14 -17, is undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During the visit, President Disanayake will hold discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as engage with other senior Chinese officials to strengthen diplomatic ties.

The agenda includes key focus areas such as technology, agriculture, and poverty alleviation. The President is also scheduled to visit strategic facilities and participate in high-level business forums aimed at enhancing economic collaboration and investment opportunities.

A series of bilateral agreements to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China will be signed during the visit.

This marks President Disanayake’s second international state visit since assuming office and is considered a pivotal step in fortifying the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and China. It is anticipated that the visit will significantly advance bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

(President’s Media Division)