Southern expressway commences

The Government of Japan has committed over Japanese Yen 19 billion (approximately Rs. 17 billion) towards the construction of the Southern Expressway under Yen Loan Programme, and construction work commenced yesterday.

Presently, Colombo, the economic centre of the country, and main cities in Southern Province such as Galle and Matara are mainly linked by National A2 Road, which is also known as Galle Road.

The lack of an alternative route has been one of the major obstacles to further enhancement of the transportation in the region. After completion of the Southern Expressway, the access will be remarkably improved.

Total distance of the Southern Expressway is approximately 130km, between Kottawa and Matara, Construction of Southern Expressway is proceeding in cooperation with Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Construction work from Kottawa to Kurundugahahetekma, approximately 70km, is funded by the Government of Japan through Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and the balance from Kurundagahahetekama to Matara, approximately 60km, is funded by ADB.

A part of the project funded by the Government of Japan is separated into two phases and construction work from Kottawa to Dodangoda which is the first phase commenced yesterday.

Efficient transportation system is vital in terms of not only ensuring safe and smooth transport but also achieving the social and economic development. Good road network leads the way for greater commercial activity and social improvement.

It enables businesses from the local area to transport their produce to the main centres and allows people to embark on their livelihood promotion activities with ease.

This project funded by the Government of Japan will benefit all related communities enabling them to improve their living conditions and thereby contribute to the overall development of Sri Lanka.

In the road sector, Japan has assisted to construct important roads such as Baseline Road which is the main road in Colombo.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Highways, Mahinda Rajapakse and Hiroshi Karube, Minister Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan unveiled the plaque to mark the commencement of the construction of the Southern Expressway amidst a large gathering of officials and communities in the area.

Minister of Urban Development and Water Supply Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources A.H.M. Fowzie, Deputy Minister of Highways T.B. Ekanayake, Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Welgama, and A. Kaneko, Resident Representative of JBIC were also present.