Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways, Prasanna Gunasena, stated in Parliament that the Central Expressway, which was initially estimated to cost Rs. 150 billion, will now require Rs. 350 billion to complete due to fraud, corruption, waste, and delays.
He assured that despite these setbacks, the government is committed to completing the project within the next five years.
“The Central Expressway has been dragging on for many years. When this project was first launched, it was supposed to cost Rs. 158 billion. However, due to a 10-year delay, the cost has now skyrocketed to Rs. 350 billion,” Gunasena told Parliament.
He acknowledged that coraruption has played a significant role in the cost escalation, stating that public funds have been misused. However, he reaffirmed the government’s determination to finish the project.
He also mentioned ongoing discussions with China’s Exim Bank, which is expected to provide financial support to move the project forward.
Highlighting the extent of waste and mismanagement, Gunasena revealed that the project has been riddled with inefficiencies. He stated that workers have been paid more than Rs. 200 million in overtime despite having little work to do, and that officials unaffiliated with the project have misused company vehicles.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for greater accountability while assuring that the government will push ahead to complete the expressway despite these challenges.
