Matara-Hambantota extension of Southern Expressway to be opened on 23 Feb.

The Matara-Mattala-Hambantota extension of the Southern Expressway is scheduled to be opened on 23 February, UPFA MP Namal Rajapaksa tweeted yesterday, adding that the opening will be done under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“This extension will connect the country’s two main ports and airports, enabling easy transfer of goods and passengers,” the tweet read.

Earlier this year, Roads and Highways, Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando said the extension would be opened in April, adding, “The former Government had opened the extension of the Southern Expressway prior to the completion of construction. We observed several issues in this regard.”

The extension from Matara to Hambantota is 96 km and consists of four main sections: section one of 30 km from Matara to Beliatta, section two of 26 km from Beliatta to Wetiya, section three of 15 km from Wetiya to Andarawewa, and section four of 25 km from Hambantota to Mattala via Andarawewa.