Introducing Sri Lanka Correspondent Divantha Ekanayake!
In January 2022 we launched the Global Walkability Correspondents Network, as a way to build solidarity among walkability advocates around the world and continue to create media on sustainable mobility and urbanism.
We are happy to welcome Kandy and Colombo-based Divantha as a Global Correspondent to our growing network of individuals who are passionate walkability advocates.
I think walkability is the best indicator of the livability of the built environment. In order for a city or a town to achieve walkability, it needs to fulfill most of the other criteria, such as good public transit, good urban design, etc.
–DIVANTHA EKANAYAKE
WHO
I’m an Urban Planning Enthusiast and currently work as a Sustainability Consultant. I’m convinced that urban planning is the best tool we have to achieve sustainable development goals and should be at the forefront of sustainability and climate discussions. I enjoy exploring cities and towns around the world and brainstorming ways to make them better.
WHERE
I’m from Sri Lanka. Urban development in my country can be described as auto-oriented and hostile to pedestrians. The hierarchical and disconnected road network, urban sprawling, lack of regulations and planning, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and poor public transportation, are some of the contributing factors.
But I strongly believe that through urban planning awareness, activism, and other forms of interventions we can slowly but surely transform it into a livable built environment.
I have lived in the US for almost 7 years and would like to travel and explore cities and towns in Europe, especially Stockholm. I’ll be representing Sri Lanka as a walkability correspondent.
Urban development in my country can be described as auto-oriented and hostile to pedestrians. But I strongly believe that through urban planning awareness, activism, and other forms of interventions we can slowly but surely transform it into a livable built environment.
–Divantha Ekanayake
WHY WALKABILITY
I think walkability is the best indicator of the livability of the built environment. In order for a city or a town to achieve walkability, it needs to fulfill most of the other criteria, such as good public transit, good urban design, etc.
In most South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, public transportation is seen as a mere economical mode of transportation. Here, most people, including some professionals, are not aware of public transit’s contribution to livability and quality of life.
This network is an excellent place to communicate with like-minded people with similar interests and learn from each other about urban planning and design issues.
Divantha is an Urban Planning Enthusiast who currently works as a Sustainability Consultant. He thinks that urban planning is the best tool we have to achieve sustainable development goals and should be at the forefront of sustainability and climate discussions.
Read Divantha’s content here
Learn more about the Global Walkability Correspondents Network here