Sri Lanka’s rural revival gets a bold push as Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake launches the Rs. 14 billion National Rural Road Development Program, vowing to end corruption and bring infrastructure and beauty to 70% of the population living in villages.
In a major infrastructure push, the Sri Lankan government launched the National Rural Road Development Program on June 21, 2025, aiming to transform villages into hubs of prosperity and beauty under the vision of “A Rich Country, A Beautiful Life.”
Speaking at the event, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Ratnayake, also the Leader of the House, drew a sharp contrast with previous administrations. “They called development a scam. We make people’s lives beautiful,” he said, promising transparency and citizen participation in public projects.
Kicking off the development of the Kosgama South Kadugoda Pussella road in Seethawaka (Avissawella district), the Minister inaugurated a network-wide initiative involving 57 rural road projects across the island. The total allocation: a staggering Rs. 14,000 million, with Rs. 65 million alone going into the Kosgama South stretch.
The Minister emphasized that 70% of Sri Lankans live in rural areas, and these populations deserve the same quality of life and development as urban centers. He condemned past misuse of tax funds, stating, “Waste is theft. Delay in development is a crime.” Ratnayake urged all government officials and citizens to collaborate, promising that “rural development is the path to national revival.”
An additional Rs. 5,000 million was allocated by the President specifically for rural roads. The funds, Ratnayake vowed, would be used responsibly and visibly. Plans were also announced to develop Avissawella into a fully equipped city, with a multi-modal transport hub and improved public services.
The event was attended by key officials, including Colombo District MP Chandana Suriyarachchi, RDA Chairman T. Paskaran, and Director General Wimal Kandambi, alongside local residents, signaling strong support for the initiative.
