Rs. 1.4 b grant from Japan to construct 5 bridges in the Eastern Province

The Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has extended a 1.4 billion rupee grant to construct five bridges in the Eastern Province.

The Cabinet of ministers has approved a project proposal put forward by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to reconstruct four bridges on the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi road (AOO5) and one bridge on the Batticaloa-Tirikkondiadimadu-Trincomalee road (A015).

The government is to contribute Rs.530 million for the project.

The bridges, constructed during the colonial period are in poor shape due to the lack of proper maintenance during the years of the conflict situation in the Province. The reconstruction of the bridges had been delayed due to the 2004 tsunami and the civil war.

Road Development Authority under the supervision of the Ministry of Highways and Road Development will implement the project.

The reconstruction of the bridges will improve the accessibility to the Eastern Province stabilising and enhancing the socio-economic activity and expediting progress and peace in the region, the government says.