Central Expressway construction: Update from Minister
Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake and Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena inspected the development work of the Potuhera–Rambukkana section of the Central expressway yesterday.Minister Rathnayake stated that the section is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. He instructed the construction companies and the Road Development Authority (RDA) to minimize inconvenience to residents during the development process.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the welfare of construction workers and noted that following the approval of the National Budget, all development projects will move forward swiftly.Speaking to the media, the Minister said there is still no update on restarting the construction of the Kadawatha–Meerigama section of the Central Expressway due to delays in finalizing financial matters. He said the Government is awaiting a response from China regarding the issue.The first phase of the Central Expressway is the section from Kadawatha to Mirigama.The length of this section is 37 kilometers.
Construction on more than 20% of the section has already been completed.Senior officials, including the Director General of the RDA and project engineers, were present during the inspection.Earlier this month, Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena informed Parliament that the Central Expressway will be completed during the five-year tenure of the NPP Government
