Cabinet approves resumption of land acquisition for Central Expressway Phase IV

Thursday, 12 June 2025 04:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Compensation to be paid for previously acquired plots; new acquisitions proceed under Land Acquisition Act
Phase IV stands at 73.2% completion; project aims to boost national connectivity
Completion to improve access to Northern, North Central, Eastern and Central provinces

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the resumption of land acquisition activities for Phase IV of the Central Expressway construction covering the Kurunegala to Dambulla section.

“The project, which had previously seen acquisition activities suspended, will now move forward with the payment of remaining compensation for plots of land already acquired,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

On 20 March 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers approved to resume land-related operations, underscoring the Government’s renewed commitment to infrastructure development amid broader efforts to accelerate national connectivity and logistics efficiency.

Additionally, land divestiture will proceed for properties where compensation has not yet been settled, in line with the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act.

The decision revives a crucial component of the Expressway project, which aims to improve connectivity across multiple provinces.

The physical progress of Phase IV currently stands at 73.2% and completing the remaining segment is seen as vital to realising the full benefits of the Central Expressway network.

He said the completion of the project will enhance road access to the Northern, North Central, Eastern, and Central provinces, promoting economic integration and regional development.

The proposal to this effect, submitted by Transport, Highways, Port and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

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