COLOMBO – The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation has proposed a cabinet paper seeking Rs 75 billion for the completion of the Kadawatha-Mirigama section of the Central Expressway. The funding request, which equates to over Rs 2 billion per kilometer, was discussed at a recent progress review meeting held at the President’s Office under the leadership of President Anura Dissanayake.
According to K.D.S. Ruwan Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry, construction of the 37-kilometer expressway section will commence promptly upon the approval of funds from the joint account. He confirmed that the contractor would be notified to begin work immediately once the financial resources are secured.
The Kadawatha-Mirigama section has already seen 36% completion, and its finalization will significantly enhance the country’s expressway network. Once this segment is completed, motorists will be able to travel seamlessly from Kurunegala to Mattala and Katunayake via the expressway, improving connectivity and reducing travel times.
The proposed budget has raised some eyebrows due to the high per-kilometer cost, prompting discussions about the project’s financial efficiency and management. The government’s commitment to completing the expressway reflects its broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at boosting economic growth and regional accessibility.
