Kiriella says Rs. 5.3 b roads built in Kandy

Saturday, 30 March 2019 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Higher Education and Highways Minister Lakshman Kiriella states that he has built Rs. 5,386 million roadways for the Kandy District while he was serving as the Minister. The Minister stated this during the debate of the expenditure heads of the Highways and Road Development and Petroleum Resources Ministry.

“I wish to make a brief account on the development work undertaken while serving as the Highways Minister. MP Mahindananda had stated last week that I have not even built a toilet in Kandy. I would like to enlighten the House that during my tenure as the Highways Minister, I had seen the construction of roadways worth Rs. 5,386 million. Furthermore, I have allocated funds worth Rs. 15,000 million for the entire Central Province. In addition, I have further allocated Rs. 10 billion for the councillors,” he said.

He said a crisis has been created around the third phase of the Central Expressway anticipated by the residents in upcountry. A Chinese firm has commenced the construction work of the first phase stretching from Meerigama to Kadawatha. The construction of the stretch from Meerigama to Kurunegala is expected to be concluded by the end of this year.

“However, a certain controversy has arisen regarding the work of the third phase, which extends from Pothuhera to Galagedara. When the Southern Expressway was constructed, there wasn’t sufficient space to allow waterways of a dam to pass underneath. This causes the Southern Province to inundate. Taking a lesson from this issue, we have taken steps to build 30% of the highway up to Kurunegala on columns, and allow water to pass underneath.” “The Chief Prelates have constantly enquired from me when we can complete the construction of the Central Expressway. I was accompanied by the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asigiri chapters during an inspection tour along the Expressway. We have always received their blessings. The incumbent Minister is carrying out the tasks quite well.”