The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is currently in the process of evaluating proposals for the long-term lease of two land plots adjacent to Beira Lake on D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10, it is reliably learnt.

These evaluations mark a significant step towards potential mixed-development projects that could encompass hotels, office complexes, and residential high-rises.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, UDA Additional Director General Mahinda Withanaarachchi said that once the evaluations had been completed, the proposals would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval before finalising the tender awards to selected investors.

The UDA’s development plan for the Beira Lake area includes identifying suitable land plots and releasing tenders for projects, with full ownership vested in the UDA.

“We are currently evaluating two proposals for these land plots and upon completion of the evaluations, we will move forward with Cabinet submissions,” stated Withanaarachchi. 

“While we have outlined a comprehensive plan for the lands adjacent to Beira Lake, not all of the land is under UDA ownership. Some parcels are owned by the Postal Department and Ports Authority. We call for tenders for lands that are 100% owned by the UDA. There are certain land issues that we are addressing within the framework of our development plan,” he added.

As per the Beira Lake Intervention Area Development Guide Plan (2022–2031), the perimeter of the lake is about 15 km and the lake area is about 165 acres.

The overall concept includes a mixed development within the planning area under six prominent uses as commercial, tourism related, recreational, residential, office, and totally mixed.