This article will aim to explore concept and strategies for a new urban and rural built environment, with particular reference to town of Jaffna, to fit within the context of a new political and social order that people of the north and east desire to create. The current post-war climate has given way to an exciting new opportunity to rebuild and re-develop these towns to meet new social and political needs. We need clearly defined planning policies and instruments to successfully direct and control future developments.

History

Cities and towns that we have now in third world nations were planned and developed by colonial powers to meet their political and military need. These towns were not designed to meet the social and cultural needs of the people.

Unlike western countries, towns in third world countries after independence ended up being merely a commercial centre without any social and cultural elements. There was no conscious attempt made to democratise or socialise the planning concept. In contrary, haphazard developments were made without a clear vision of urban planning for a democratic society.

Our towns have been developed during the colonial time with the clear demarcation of Administrative zone, Civic zone with recreational area, Commercial zone, Religious and Cultural zone and Educational zone. Very little developments have been taken place in these towns after independence. Most of the large towns in Sri Lanka have a long and rich pre-colonial history. For example, Jaffna had been developed as a town around Nallur prior to Portuguese arrival. It was built around temples with plenty of small water tanks (Kulam) interconnected with impressive water supply and drainage systems with segregated residential quarters based on caste and profession. The traditional planning principals of Jaffna town can still be traced from the remaining temples and water courses. A thorough historical study of the planning of these towns during pre and post colonial period need to be carried out. This study will help to identify the town’s potential new design having in mind the town’s traditional values and elements that should be preserved. We also need to understand the overriding aesthetic concept of planning and architecture that give our unique style.

Globalisation verses Regional identity

Most of the cities in third world counties that have very little to preserve as heritage are losing their little identities by massive reconstructions carried out mostly by multinational companies in recent times. Most of the new works in these countries are designed to meet global standards with no respect to local culture, social values and the history. The traditional relationship between people and their built environment is rapidly changing to a mono global culture that is conducive for multinational company’s investment

Cities and towns in third world countries are rapidly losing their identities in the name of development and globalisation while developed countries are consciously preserving their historical towns with stringent controls on developments.

Tamils in north and east have fought for last three decades and sacrificed their lives, wealth and future for their identity in the nation. Their struggle was not merely for development but for their identity in every sense. While our development will undoubtedly reach global standard , it has to respect the history, culture and geographical aspects of the people and land.

Planning concept and vision of our future cities

People of the north and east, want to develop their region as an integral part of Sri Lanka to meet global standard. We want to rebuild our towns symbolising harmony between tradition and modernity.

This is the commitment our generation will make for the generations of tomorrow.

A thorough study of the history is needed to identify existing planning criteria and heritage items that need to be preserved or developed. The analysis of the history and the present context will lead to identify the desired built form to achieve the vision of the town.

Local planning strategy

Strategic planning ensures the City:

* Plans for future growth.
* Maintains its environmental, heritage and cultural values.
* Identifies issues facing townships including community aspirations and needs.
* Articulates the preferred future directions for townships.
* Identifies appropriate planning controls to protect and enhance townships

A Local Planning Strategy is the key strategic urban planning document for the future growth and development of a city for the next 10-15 years.
The intent of the Local Planning Strategy is to provide long-term vision for sustainable planning that integrates diverse issues such as:

* Economy and Employment
* Centres and Corridors
* Housing
* Transport
* Environment and Resources
* Parks and Public Places
* Governance and Implementation

The community’s input to the community forums will contribute to the Local Planning Strategy and maintain the dialogue between the Authorities and its community. This partnership is the critical factor for the effective integration of community aspirations.

The immediate task ahead of us today is to stop any haphazard developments that will spring out of the urge for quick development after peace. Until a well worked out planning policy and Local Planning Strategy is formulated, temporary control mechanisms should be in place based on the vision and the planning concept.

Architectural symbolism Town Hall and Municipality buildings are the symbol of governance of the region. It is expected for the designer to understand the concept and basic principle of the Dravidian .The municipality building, as the most visible icon in the town, should strongly express the presence of Tamil Culture in the multi-cultural landscape of Sri Lanka . Even though our towns have not developed an identifiable architectural style of its own, it has a unique social and cultural history that separates it from the rest of the country. These unique social and cultural values determine the desired architectural design.

(A. Chandrahasan is an Architect in Sydney,Australia)