An evaluation of the concept of decentralization in its applicability to the development of Colombo metropolitan region

Abstract

This study is concerned with planning the development of the Colombo Metropolitan Region by taking into consideration the applicability of the concept of decentralization. The study has been carried out within the Colombo Metropolitan Region defined by the UNDP assisted Master Planning Team. The discussion of this study has been divided into three parts comprising eight chapters. Part I is the introductory; it discusses the background to the Colombo Metropolitan Region and includes three chapters. The first chapter introduces the existing setting of the study region. Having an idea regarding the study region, the second chapter discusses the spatial relationships of the study region in the national context. The final chapter of this Part introduces past attempts in the planning of the region, particularly in the Abecrombie Colombo Regional Plan. Part II contains the analytical portion of this study and it comprises four chapters. The Part II examines the planning options available for the development of Colombo Metropolitan Region based on the analysis of the study. It begins in the fourth chapter, by discussing the analytical frame of the study region. The conceptual options available for the development of the Colombo Metropolitan Region is discussed in the fifth chapter. The next chapter has critically evaluated the concept of decentralization. Having had an idea of the concept of decentralization, the final chapter of this Part deals with the applicability of this concept for the planning development of the study region. Part III of the study and the chapter in it gives the main conclusions and recommendations of this study.