Somawathie Chaithya, road to be renovated

Mohammed NAALIR

COLOMBO: Nation Building and Infrastructure Development Minister D.M. Dassanayake said that on the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa the Somawathie Chaithya in Polonnaruwa and the 12.5 km road leading to it at Sungawila junction will be renovated at a cost of Rs. 50 million.

Minister Dassanayake said they hope to complete the renovation work in six months .The renovation work will be carried out in collaboration with the RDA without enlisting the services of private contractors, the Minister said.

The Nation Building and Infrastructure Development Ministry has allocated Rs. 150 million to carry out the renovation work. Three iron bridges will be constructed in the area capable of withstanding the impact of floods.

The Minister said that the two bridges, of 100 feet and another 132 feet in length will be constructed.

Kurunegala District UNP Parliamentarian Jayawickrame Perera, Ministry Secretary Jayalath Ravi Dissanayake, Private Secretary of the Minister Darshana Pilimathalawa, Additional Secretary R.A.A. Ranawake and the Advisor Mangala Ranaraja too were present at the press briefing.