A Policy for Practical Beautification and Greener Public Spaces in Colombo
Colombo deserves to look as vibrant as the people who call it home. Bright City, Proud City is a practical beautification plan focused on cleaning up neglected spaces, greening central areas, and maintaining a consistent standard across all city zones. This isn’t about luxury — it’s about dignity, cleanliness, and restoring civic pride one street, one wall, one space at a time.
What We Have Now:
- Some beautification projects (e.g. F.R. Senanayake Mawatha, Viharamahadevi Park), mostly limited to central Colombo.
- Many public areas — roundabouts, canal edges, empty sidewalks — remain bare, poorly maintained, or filled with trash.
- Lack of coordination between departments handling cleaning, maintenance, and visual upgrades.
- Very few community-based beautification programs or citizen involvement initiatives.
- No regular upkeep plan for beautified spaces — they often fall into disrepair.
What We Will Improve:
- Identify and prioritise 25 key public eyesores (walls, corners, roundabouts, bus stops) and clean/green them over 12 months.
- Repaint public walls and curbs regularly using a ward-level maintenance calendar.
- Fix broken sidewalks, chipped paint, overgrown shrubs, and broken benches — especially in high-traffic zones.
- Coordinate cleaning teams and landscape workers so spaces stay usable and attractive.
- Involve ward offices and community groups in maintaining small spaces near homes, markets, and flats.
What We Will Introduce:
- Mini Beautification Budgets
- Each ward gets a small annual fund to improve visible public spaces with community input.
- Neighbourhood Wall Projects
- Damaged public walls will be repainted or tiled with clean, creative designs by youth and local artists.
- Green Corridors & Corner Gardens
- Turn unused corners and dividers into low-maintenance green areas with drought-friendly plants.
- Public Bench & Shade Program
- Install basic benches and shade shelters in high-footfall areas like bus stops and parks.
- Seasonal Clean-Up Drives
- Organize two major citywide clean-up and beautification days each year with full public participation.
- Signboard & Pole Beautification
- Standardize and clean council signs, repaint lamp posts, and remove outdated posters.
Making the System Transparent & Accountable:
- All beautification budgets and projects will be listed online by ward, with before/after photos.
- Each ward will be required to submit a quarterly update on status of beautified sites.
- Citizens can upload photos of neglected spots via a mobile portal for quick response.
- Monthly “Ward of the Month” recognition based on upkeep and community involvement.
Immediate Focus Areas:
- Market Zones: Clear trash, repaint walls, install benches.
- Canal Edges: Clean paths, install low-maintenance greenery.
- Busy Junctions: Roundabout planting, signage cleanup.
- Public Toilet Exteriors and Clinic Entrances: Repaint, tile, or add greenery for dignity and hygiene.
