Construction of the first phase of Sri Lanka’s Central Expressway, covering the stretch from Kadawatha to Mirigama, has reached 48% completion, the Ministry of Transport and Highways said.

“Plans are underway to complete the Kadawatha interchange by the beginning of 2027 and to finish the Kadawatha–Mirigama stretch by mid‑2028, vesting it with the public,” the ministry said in a video message.

The ministry explained that once this section is complete, the Southern Expressway and the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway will connect to the Central Expressway through the Outer Circular Road, creating a seamless national expressway network.

The ministry noted that with the completion of the Port Access Road, the public will be able to travel conveniently to Colombo, Katunayake, Kurunegala, and Mattala via the expressways. (Newswire)

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The construction of the Kadawatha- Mirigama Section of the Central Expressway resumed today (17) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

The event marking the launch took place at the Kadawatha interchange premises, which was also attended by Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake.

Although the second phase of this expressway, which began construction in 2016, has now been opened, the first phase has faced delays due to various reasons.

Construction of the 168.7-kilometre Central Expressway began in 2016 under a loan agreement of USD 989 million approved by the China Exim Bank. The project consists of four phases.

The first phase spans 37 kilometres from Kadawatha to Mirigama. The second phase includes 39.7 kilometres from Mirigama to Kurunegala and 9.1 kilometres from Mirigama to Ambepussa.

The third phase extends 32.5 kilometres from Potuhera to Galagedara, while the fourth phase covers 60.3 kilometres from Kurunegala to Dambulla.

Following the commencement of construction, the second phase, from Mirigama to Kurunegala, was opened to the public on January 15, 2022.

However, due to subsequent political instability, economic crisis, and a shortage of workers, construction on the first phase, from Kadawatha to Mirigama, was halted. This was primarily due to the suspension of funding by the China Exim Bank.

With approximately 20% of the work completed on the Kadawatha–Mirigama section, the China Exim Bank has now approved a new loan in yuan equivalent to USD 500 million to resume construction.

The Kadawatha–Mirigama section is scheduled to be completed and opened to the public by 2028. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says China’s Export–Import Bank (EXIM) has agreed to provide a new concessionary loan in Chinese Yuan for the resumption of the Mirigama-Kadawatha section of the Central Expressway.

Delivering a special statement in Parliament today, President Dissanayake said that the proposal on the new Chinese loan will be approved at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for next Monday. 

“Work on the Mirigama-Kadawatha section of the Central Expressway was halted due to the failure to continue with the previous loan repayment due to bankruptcy. The construction work is contracted to a Chinese firm. Our agreement is with the Chinese firm. Due to the suspension of the construction work, all their machinery and equipment have become dilapidated and unusable,” he said. 

The President said, however, the Chinese company had proposed recommencing the construction work if the government pays compensation for their ruined machinery and equipment. 

“We can’t grant the compensation overnight. Several discussions must be held. Both sides have submitted proposals on the compensation value. We must conduct an estimation for the compensation,” he revealed. 

President Dissanayake pointed out that the loan provided by China’s EXIM Bank previously for the project was insufficient at present, under the current circumstances, adding that a higher loan was required. 

“Due to this requirement, we need to conduct more rounds of discussions. We are happy to announce that China’s EXIM Bank has agreed to provide a loan in Yuan with many concessions. Once we get the loan, we can settle the contractor’s compensation and recommence the project,” he said. 

The President also revealed that plans are underway for the construction of the Galagedera – Kandy stretch of the Central Expressway.

He said discussions are underway to secure foreign investments for the development project.

“If we are unable to get foreign investment, then the government will look at constructing the road using local investments. We intend to commence construction work by next year,” he added.  

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake went on to note that several other development projects that were halted previously due to Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy cannot be completed under the previously offered loans. 

“These projects need loans offering more money. They cannot be restarted immediately. These can be worked out only through fresh discussions, and it will take at least one to two years,” he said. 

The President further assured that all development projects that were halted will be recommenced by this year, such as the Katunayake Airport and Expressway projects. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have sought the assistance of the public to find two teenage boys who had left their Children’s home in Mirigama.

The Police stated that the children both aged 15 years had left the children’s home uninformed. 

An investigation has been launched to find the missing children based on a complaint filed by the matron of the Children’s home.

Those with information about the two teenage boys have been requested to contact the Police via 071 – 8591625 or 033 – 2273222. (NewsWire)

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A container truck collided with a train at a level crossing in the Wilwatta area of Mirigama this morning (09).

The Railways Department stated that owing to the collision, train operations on the Main Line and Upcountry Line experienced delays but have now been restored.

Container truck collides with a Train in Mirigama pic.twitter.com/6kKMzV9y5f

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) August 9, 2023

Pictures:

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