Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday, 21 April 2026 01:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake |
Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake has said ongoing construction projects across the country remain uninterrupted despite the prevailing conflict in the Middle East.
In a video statement shared on his official Facebook page, the Minister said key infrastructure developments are continuing without delay, with particular emphasis on the third phase of the Central Expressway.
He noted that construction work on Phase III, spanning from Pothuhera to Rambukkana and extending up to Galagedara, is progressing at a steady pace.
According to the Minister, approximately 75% of the construction on the Pothuhera–Rambukkana stretch had been completed by March this year.
He further said that all major development projects remain on track, with authorities continuing efforts to ensure timely completion despite external global challenges.
According to a recent report by CT Smith Securities, Sri Lanka’s construction sector is entering an expansion phase, supported by reconstruction demand and a multi-year public investment pipeline, although external risks persist.
The sector, which typically grows faster than GDP, is expected to benefit from post-crisis recovery momentum, with a public investment of around Rs. 2 trillion allocated for 2026-2028, largely towards infrastructure.
Near-term demand is also driven by rebuilding following Cyclone Ditwah, with damage estimated at around Rs. 878 billion. However, rising input costs, tight financing conditions, and potential energy shocks linked to Middle East tensions could weigh on project timelines and margins, particularly for smaller contractors, CT Smith Securities said. (https://www.ft.lk/propertyconstruction/Construction-sector-enters-expansion-phase-with-Rs-2-t-pipeline-CT-Smith-Securities/10516-790395).
