Next phase of Southern Expressway to commence shortly

by Rajmi Manatunga

Construction on the next phase of the Southern expressway from Colombo to Matara will commence shortly.

Highways Ministry Secretary S. Amarasekere told the Daily News that the Ministry hoped to start work from Kottawa to Dodangoda within the next two months. "Construction on the stretch from Kottawa to Dodangoda consists of two packages. The Ministry has already selected the contractor for one of these packages after calling tenders," he said.

Amarasekere said they expected to find a contractor for the other package and complete preliminary work within two weeks.

The 131 kilometre Colombo-Matara expressway is the longest proposed expressway in Sri Lanka. The project is expected to be completed in 2008. Meanwhile, work on the Colombo-Katunayake expressway which is on hold is expected to recommence next year with the Government deciding to call fresh tenders.

"The period for forwarding expressions of interest for the project will end on August 15 following which the Ministry will shortlist the prospective contractors," Amarasekere said.