Maga Engineering gets Rs. 1.2 b contract to fix Southern Expressway flaws

Thursday, 28 August 2025 03:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Minister Vijitha Herath admits road not built to quality standards

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved awarding a Rs. 1.2 billion contract to Maga Engineering Ltd., for urgent repairs on a 15-kilometre stretch of the Southern Expressway, less than 15 years after its opening.

The section between the 19th and 34th kilometre posts, from Kottawa to Dodangoda, has developed extensive surface cracks and structural degradation, prompting officials to order immediate renovation, including repairs to the base layer and resurfacing.

Bids were called from local contractors under the National Competitive Procurement process, with the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee recommending Maga Engineering Ltd., as the lowest responsive bidder.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Minister Vijitha Herath said the project was valued at Rs. 1.2 billion.

When questioned on whether the Southern Expressway carried a warranty, Herath admitted he was unaware and directed queries to the Transport and Highways Ministry.

The Southern Expressway, Sri Lanka’s first highway, was launched in 2003 and opened in 2011. Its premature deterioration has sparked criticism over poor construction quality and lack of accountability.

Minister Herath himself conceded that the road was “not built with quality,” but insisted repairs were unavoidable for public safety.

Critics, however, argue that taxpayers are once again footing the bill for flaws in mega infrastructure projects that were originally presented as “world-class.”

With maintenance costs piling up before the 15-year mark, questions are being raised about contract supervision, design standards, and whether responsibility will be fixed for what many see as a costly failure.