French support for bridge renovation

Irangika Range

An agreement was signed to renovate and widen 46 dilapidated bridges with financial assistance from the French government at the Ports and Highways Ministry's premises yesterday.

"According to an agreement, the French government would provide Euro two million in the form of loan facility to upgrade and renovate the 46 bridges located across the country, "Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Nirmala Kothalawla told the Daily News.

Ports and Highways Ministry Secretary Ranjith Premasiri and Chief Executive Officer of the French Embassy in Sri Lanka Philippe Matiere signed the agreement in the presence of French ambassador to Sri Lanka Christine Robichon.

Under this protect, 20 bridges will be renovated and widened in the Western Province, four bridges in the Southern Province, 16 bridges in the Uva Province, one bridge in the North Central Province, three bridges in the Sabaragamuwa Province and two bridges in the Central Province.