The government has halted the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway, a key infrastructure project intended to connect Kahathuduwa in the Western Province with Pelmadulla via Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province. The decision comes as a result of financial constraints, forcing authorities to put the project on hold.
Originally proposed during the 2010–2015 administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the expressway was scheduled for inauguration in 2018, but progress was delayed after the 2015 change in government. The Road Development Authority later awarded the contract to Maga Engineering Ltd, and land acquisition began for the first phase, covering a 24.3-kilometer stretch from Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya. Designed as a four-lane expressway with a 100 km/h speed limit, the initial phase included interchanges at Horana and Ingiriya. However, construction has now been suspended due to financial difficulties.
Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena confirmed the suspension, emphasizing that the project is not being abandoned but will remain on hold until financial stability improves.
Despite the expressway setback, the government has decided to renovate the colonial-era railway line extending to Ratnapura, which had ceased operations beyond Avissawella. The Kelani Valley Line, initially built between 1900 and 1902, once connected Colombo to Opanayake via Avissawella and Ratnapura. However, at present, railway services operate only up to Avissawella.
The Deputy Minister revealed that efforts are underway to reacquire land for railway expansion as part of the government’s strategy to improve transport infrastructure. Additionally, priority is being given to completing the Central Expressway, which aims to connect Colombo and Kandy via Kurunegala.
While the Ruwanpura Expressway faces an uncertain future, the revival of the Ratnapura railway line signals a shift towards rail transport improvements amid ongoing financial challenges.
