Rs 300 billion worth projects completed by the RDA this year

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has completed projects worth around Rs 300 billion this year, RDA Chairman Nihal Sooriyarachchi said today (Sept 5).

Addressing a press briefing, Mr Sooriyarachchi said that the second phase of the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala would be completed by March next year.

However, he cited issues in loan agreements and the delay in funding as main reasons for the slow progress of the remaining three phases of the Central Expressway project.

Mr. Sooriyarachchi explained that the first phase of the project from Kadawatha to Mirigama had shown slow progress since they were yet to receive the required loan from the Chinese Exim Bank.

“We hope to obtain a loan worth USD 968 million from the Chinese Exim Bank for the first phase within the next few weeks,” he said adding that construction activities would be expedited afterwards.

Commenting on the third phase of the expressway from Potuhera to Galagedara, he noted that there were two issues in the loan agreement which is to be signed with Japan-based Mitsui Bank.

Accordingly, the RDA Chairman explained that talks are being held with the Attorney General’s Department in order to resolve these issues.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sooriyarachchi pointed out that 96.6km long Matara – Hambantota Highway will be vested with the public this year while the 10km Outer Circular Highway which connects Mahara and Wattala will be opened by November.

He further said that construction of the Kelani bridge is expected to be completed by August 2020.