Sri Lanka launches ‘Life Cities’ urban development programme

The Sri Lankan government has launched the ‘Life Cities’ urban development programme, an initiative designed to implement a systematic, data-driven approach to city planning. Introduced under the 2026 Budget, the programme aims to create sustainable, investment-friendly urban centers by improving infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, and enhancing tourism potential.

Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake announced that Rs. 65 billion has been allocated for the development of 26 cities. The initiative follows a ‘Cities for People – Built for Life’ policy, which emphasizes creating livable environments rather than focusing solely on building construction. The Minister noted that development will respect the unique character and specific requirements of each individual city.

The first phase, scheduled for 2026, targets 10 cities: Jaffna, Matara, Batticaloa, Badulla, Matale, Thambuttegama, Vavuniya, Hatton, Chilaw, and Eheliyagoda. An additional 16 cities, including Dehiwala, Galle, and Trincomalee, have been selected for development in 2027.