He was participating at the 'Unveiling of Western Region Megapolis Plan' at Independence Square yesterday.

The Prime Minister said the project would help develop the region as one of the world's most economically powerful cities while improving the housing, education and hospitals facilities in par with those in world class cities. "The Megapolis concept came up in the world towards the end of the 20th Century.

Accordingly, Beijing, Shanghai, Los Angeles, London and Manchester were developed as large scale economic hubs. In 2002, we wanted to do that in Sri Lanka too. Sri Lanka is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean and it fills the gap between Singapore and Dubai. Therefore, a city like this can bring a good income to us.

"We completed the plan in 2004 with the advice of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, but had no opportunity to implement it. We now have got a chance to do it. We have planned a series of projects to develop the country's economy and the Megapolis is the first out of them. Today, the world is supporting us. We have to utilize the foreign aid and attract more investments by grabbing this opportunity. Do not miss this chance, because we would never get another chance like this. We are marking the start of the project today and in will enjoy the economic benefits in another 2-3 years," the Prime Minister.

"Some of us may not be around to enjoy the fruits of this venture, as it takes about 15 to 20 years to materilise, but I am confident that it will reach completion," he said.

The Prime Minister said the Singaporean Company which supported in designing the Megapolis plan is also helping Sri Lanka develop a massive zone surrounding Trincomalee town. He said a project to expand the Kandy city would be carried out with the Japanese assistance.

"While we develop the Western region, we will not forget other areas of the country," he added.