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Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 08.25 GMT |
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President
declares open Mannar bridge |
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Mar. 18) declared open the Mannar Bridge connecting the Mannar Island with the mainland.
This was constructed at a cost of Rs 2,460 million. Around 41,000 people in Mannar Island will directly benefit from this project improving market approachability and facilitating transportation at a low cost.
A Highways and Road Development Ministry Spokesman told the Daily News that this is a great achievement and a clear evidence of the Government's efforts towards reconciliation and development in the North and the East.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded the construction of the new bridge and causeway. The Road Development Authority under the supervision of the Highways and Road Development Ministry has implemented the project.
The existing bridge and causeway which connect the Mannar Island with the mainland were constructed in 1930s with a single lane which is narrow in width. It was the only access road to Mannar Island from the mainland.
This bridge which was damaged due to a terrorist bomb blast in 1990 was restored with a temporary steel bailey bridge which was restricted for heavy vehicles of over 10 tons.
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