President launches priority road projects in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a function in Agalawatta today launched the construction work for two priority road projects under the government's programme to upgrade transport facilities and develop the entire road network of the country.


Under the programme funded by China, the President launched two projects today. The 47-kilometer Pelawatta, Neluwa-Morawaka road linking the Western and Southern Provinces will be developed at a cost of 4 billion rupees and the 17.5-kilometer Horawala- Pitigala road via Pelawatta at a cost of 1.448 billion rupees.
The development of these roads is aimed at enriching the low-grown tea industry and the living conditions of the people in the area.


Addressing the gathering, the President stressed that the government's development programme will not be stalled by any challenges faced by the government. The President said that the government has focused special attention to develop road network in all electorates of the country.
China National Aero Technology International Engineering Corporation (CATIC-ENG) and the Government of Sri Lanka and (CDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for corporation last month to provide financing for infrastructure development projects, mainly for economic development.
The China Development Bank has agreed to finance US$ 500 million for the rehabilitation of several roads in the country.
China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ms. Yang Xiuping and Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe also attended the event.
(Photo by Nalin Hewapathirana)