Construction of Ruwanpura Expressway halted; no compensation to land owners
Many people whose lands were acquired to make way for the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway project have been severely affected without any compensation since the construction of the expressway has been halted.
Kumesh Bimsara Alwis, committee member of the Association of Persons Displaced from the Ruwanpura Expressway Project, said that some people are currently living in rented houses.
Mr. Alwis said the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway has been halted since May, 2022.
Meanwhile, Ruwanpura Expressway Project Director of the Road Development Authority H.B.M. Premakanti said they are facing an issue in terms of providing compensation for the lands taken over.
A loan of Rs. 12.9 billion has been obtained from a state bank for the project and the bank has failed to release monthly installments.
Accordingly, Ms. Premakanti said the construction company has withdrawn from the project.