by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa
Today (19.06.2020) I inspected the progress of the North – Central expressway. The inspection was done mainly due to the many complains received regarding the construction of the expressway. I advised the construction company in charge of the project to complete the work as soon as possible.
Project Manager of the North – Central expressway Mr K. H. M. A. K Kehelalla updated me on the current status of the project and gave an explanation on how the things are planned out. Mr Kehelalla informed that a construction period of 30 months was given to complete the Phase 2 of the North – Central expressway.
Mr. Kehelalla also informed me about many issues that has forced to the delay in completing the project. He said that the construction was divided into 4 stages and local construction companies were given the responsibility in completing each stage, but most of the companies were unable to complete in the given timeframe.
I inquired about the progress of each stage and advised the relevant construction companies in charge to put their maximum effort and complete the project, so that the expressway can be handed over to the public soon.
The concept of expressways was initiated during my tenure as the President. The Construction of the North – Central expressway started in 2007 and was expected to be completed by 2019 July. Many reasons has forced to this delay such as money not provided to the constitution companies by the previous government.
Cabinet minister of road and highways Mr Johnston Fernando, ex parliamentarian Mr Shantha Bandara, engineers in charge of the North – Central expressway and representatives of the construction companies were also present at this occasion.