Minister inspects Katunayake Expressway to be opened in August

Arrangements are underway for the opening of the 26 kilometre-long Katunayake - Kelaniya Expressway next August, built at a cost of US $ 291 million. The Ports and Highways Ministry, commenced the construction of the express way in 2009, under the directions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who inspected the expressway recently, instructed the relevant officials to plant trees, native to Sri Lanka on either side of the road, after conserving the marshy lands on either side of the expressway and cleansing of the Dutch Canal.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that the vast benefits that could be derived from the Southern and Colombo - Katunayake Expressways, could be reaped only after the completion of the Northern Expressway, the initial work on which had already begun. Plans have been drawn up to construct the Northern Expressway in three stages - the first from Enderamulla to Ambepussa, the second from Mirigama to Pallandeniya and the third from Ambepussa to Kandy.

Participating at a discussion held at the Parliamentary complex on the construction of this expressway, Minister Basil Rajapaksa said the planning had to be done causing the least harm to human settlements and the natural environment.

The technical report on the expressway construction, the environmental report, surveying of the area, geological aspects and the resettlement of the people who would be displaced as a result of the land acquisition for the purpose, are now being studied, since the project is expected to meet the needs that would arise by 2030.