Kandy tunnel on hold due to "unfounded fears" - Kiriella

The tunnel from Tennekumbura to Suduhumpola that is due to be built to minimize traffic congestion in Kandy town has been put on hold due to unfounded arguments put forward by certain elements, Minister of Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Lakshman Kiriella revealed.

By Sandun Jayawardana

Speaking in Parliament today, Mr Kiriella said that Cabinet approval had been granted for the project and that the Korean Government was also ready to provide assistance for the project.

However, the Government has been forced to temporarily put the project on hold due to unfounded arguments put forward by some claiming that the tunnel would lead to the collapse of the Dalada Maligawa and leakages from the Nuwara Wewa, he stated.

“In many countries around the world, there is another city beneath one city. South Korea has much expertise in this regard. I believe that these unfounded fears will recede in time and I hope we can move forward in building the Kandy tunnel as quickly as possible,” Minister Kiriella added.