(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – The construction of the second phase of the Central Expressway was initiated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning (01st Wednesday).
The 2nd phase of the Central Expressway will span from Alawwa to Giriulla. The Ministry of Highways said all construction is carried out by local companies and will be completed by 2019.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking at the main event at Kudagammana this morning said if development challenges cannot be overcome the government will not be able to ensure a bright future for the young generation.
The Prime Minister said the government must have good policies, introduce new laws and move forward, claiming that the country and the youth have no future if the government fails to take the step.
Premier Wickremesinghe said the government must strengthen all Sri Lankans, while taking the leap.
The Prime Minister said the contract was initially awarded to 14 local companies who were previously contracted by foreign companies.
Premier Wickremesinghe said the government held discussions with the Minister and handed out the contracts accordingly.
Explaining why the government took such measures, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said local companies will receive the opportunity to obtain contracts for highways overseas by receiving such a contract to construct an expressway.
Accordingly, the Premier said the contract was awarded on one condition, claiming that the companies have to obtain contracts from other countries when the expressway is completed.
The Prime Minister said some Sri Lankans will receive the opportunity to engage in employment overseas through such an opportunity.
Minister of Highways Lakshman Kiriella also addressing the event said the second phase of the expressway which spans over 40km will be completed by mid-2019.
Minister Kiriella said the government hopes to complete the construction of the road from Kadawatha to Kurunegala within 30 months.
The Minister of Highways said each company will undertake 10 kilometres.
Accordingly, he requested the contractors to complete the construction of the road by mid-2019 due to the election in 2020.
