The renovated old Auditor General's office
complex, completed as part of the Independence Square Development
programme was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday
evening (July 13).
President Rajapaksa unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion amidst the distinguished invitees at the opening.
Secretary Defence and Urban Development -
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the driving force behind the Colombo Development
Programme was also present at the opening ceremony.
At the outset the keynote address was
delivered by the Veteran artiste Jackson Anthony. The old landmark
heritage site was given a new lease of life under a multimillion rupee
project and is now an up market shopping precinct with modern facilities
and conveniences.
The Colombo development programme is
handled by the Urban Development Authority and the renovation and
development work of the Auditor General's office complex project was
carried out by the tri-forces personnel.
Adding another hot spot to the commercial
capital's landscape, the new shopping facility will boast of 90,000 sq
ft of floor space of which 40,000 sq ft will exclusively hold the 40
shopping stalls. It also comprises with a modern Film Theater, Leisure
Park, and Walking Paths. Carefully manicured gardens and parking space
will add to its conveniences.
A specially built pond with a glass
platform over it is one of the added features of the new facility.
Facilities are also there to host large events and gatherings.
Almost two years of time span was taken for
the renovation process and a special care was taken during the
renovation to preserve its original architectural features and
originality while adding modern technological features and amenities.
The grandeur of the colonial era complex comes alive especially during
the night when special illumination features light up the entire area.
With a view to felicitate the work force,
architects and landscape designers who contributed tirelessly to the
oversize renovation work, certificates were awarded by the President
Rajapaksa during the session.
Government Ministers, Chief Justice Mohan
Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Chief Minister of
the Western Province Prasanna Ranathunga, Chief of Defence Staff
General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya
Ratnayake, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera, Mayor of
Colombo AJM Muzammil and a large gathering of distinguished invitees
were present at the ceremony.
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