Cabinet adds to development drive

Friday, 30 September 2011 05:20 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Patricia A. Butenis shakes hands with AMCHAM President Vijaya Ratnayake watched by AMCHAM Vice President Prasath Nanayakkara and AMCHAM Treasurer Glen Rase at the Annual General Meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce held last night - Pic by Upul Abayasekara

  • US$ 500 million for provincial roads and Rs. 39.5 b for decade-long irrigation projects

Cabinet has approved a plan to obtain US$ 500 million worth of loans from local banks to build 266 km of provincial roads, a Government spokesman said yesterday as well as a 10-year irrigation development plan costing Rs.39.5 billion.

On a proposal made by President as the Minister of Ports and Highways Cabinet approved the proposal for the rehabilitation of 266.35 km road belonging to provincial road networks with concrete surfacing through domestic contractors by obtaining the required funds amounting to around US$ 500 million from local banks.

On an earlier proposal by the President the Cabinet had proposed to rehabilitate 662 km roadways of the National Highways on a priority basis.

“These contracts are for locals,” insisted Cabinet Spokesman Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. He told media that under this project, roads in Polonnaruwa, Anamaduwa, Narammala, Kesbewa, Ampara and Matara would be constructed.               

Cabinet adds...

In addition on a proposal by the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Cabinet approved a proposal to implement a 10-year water resources development plan.

In the preparation of this plan due consideration has been given to meet all the water requirements by optimum utilisation of the water resources in the country.

This includes augmentation of Maha Galgamuwa Wewa at a cost of Rs. 500 million, construction of lower Malwathu Oya Reservoir ( Rs. 10,000 million), Ridemaliyadde Integrated Development Project (Rs. 1,100 million), Weli Oya Integrated Development project (Rs. 6,000 million), extension of Kaudulla Main Canal (Rs. 370 million), Rambaken Oya (Rs. 1,086 million) and Maduru Oya Right Bank (Rs. 38,500 million).

Cabinet approval was granted for the implementation of the above projects within the period between 2012 and 2017. These projects will provide additional irrigation facilities to 68,000 hectares while ensuring cultivation in both the seasons in existing 203,000 hectares in the areas coming under these projects.

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