Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake says allocations have been made in the 2026 Budget for the construction of the Ruwanpura expressway until Ingiriya.
Minister Rathnayake said that the government has allocated more funds to the 2026 Budget than what was allocated this year.
He further said that the government has proposed to commence the construction of the Ruwanpura expressway, which will take at least 02-03 years to be completed.
Stating that it has been proposed to change the High-Level Road into four lanes from Avissawella to Godagama, he said funds have been allocated for this as well.
Minister Bimal Rathnayake further revealed that funds have been allocated to develop the existing bends along the railway Road from Kottawa to Avissawella.
He also stated that a feasibility study will be required concerning the construction of an expressway or extension from Ingiriya to Ratnapura, due to the surrounding river and environmental reasons.
“For now, we have proposed constructing an expressway all the way to Ingiriya and then broadening the road leading from Ingiriya to Ratnapura. This does not mean halting the construction of an expressway, but reconsidering the extension from Ingiriya to Ratnapura,” he said.
Minister Bimal Rathnayake made the remarks during a discussion with relevant state officials regarding the construction of expressways and the necessary budget allocations for this purpose. (Islandnews)
