Expressways and Highways; Sri Lanka’s infrastructure on the fast track
[November 22, 2001 - 12.00 GMT]

Sri Lanka will have four major expressways along with eight flyovers (PDF) by the year 2005. A spokesman for the Ministry of Highways said that this was part of a massive plan by the government to improve the infrastructure facilities in the country.

With the construction of the expressways, Sri Lanka’s road network will change for the first time since the British built them. 

Among the projects lined up are:

1. Colombo – Matara Expressway

2. Colombo – Katunayake Expressway

3. Colombo – Kandy alternate route

4. Katunayake – Padeniya – Anuradhapura Road

Meanwhile the Road Development Authority expects to launch two new projects within Colombo to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic. One project will improve D R Wijewardena Mawatha in the heart of Colombo, lifting the road to a higher elevation to avert frequent flooding. The Asian Development Bank funds the estimated cost of Rs 146 million.  

The second project is the carpeting of Leyards Broadway in Mattakkuliya at a cost of Rs 124 million.  

Work will also begin soon on the Southern Highway, another major highway project, since the land acquisition has already been completed. This project aims to promote socio-economic development in the South and to reduce traffic congestion, travel time and vehicle operating costs while generating 92,000 job opportunities.

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Last Updated Date: November 22, 2001  -  12.00 GMT.