Canadian firm gets supervisory deal in US$ 100 million road project

A Canadian firm has been selected by the Sri Lankan Government to supervise a 100 million US dollar road project to connect the former war torn east, a top minister said here on Thursday.

Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told media that approval has been given for Lavalin International to supervise the UDS 100 million project, which will connect to Trincomalee in the eastern province.

Lavalin will provide USD 723,000 in consultancy services for design review, construction supervision and contract administration for the 90.5 km stretch of road in central Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s government received the 100 million US dollar loan from International Development Association (IDA).       

The island nation has invested over 6 billion US dollars in infrastructure development since the end of a three decade war in 2009 including a new harbour and investment zone for Trincomalee.

The town is also earmarked for a billion dollar tourism development project in line with Sri Lanka’s ambitious plans of attracting 2.5 million tourists by 2016.

Currently Sri Lanka is Asia’s fastest growing tourism market with arrivals totalling a historic high of over 750 000. (UJ)