The cost for the construction of the Central expressway will be increased by Rs. 8 billon, due to the issue surrounding the indigenous tree ‘Crudia Zeylanica’.
During a discussion held on the current developments, Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando said the endemic tree which has been ordained by the Maha Sanga cannot be relocated.
He said therefore the expressway plan will have to be adjusted and will have to be designed to bypass the tree.
“We have not taken any decision about it” he added.
The endemic tree was spotted in the Daraluwa area in Gampaha.
Following its detection, many environmentalist and wildlife officers had raised concerns on its destruction and relocation due to the construction of the expressway. (NewsWire)