Higher compensation for land acquisition for Northern Central Expressway

Saturday, 10 September 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Setting up a new standard the Government has increased the compensation paid for paddy field acquisition for the Northern Central Expressway project.

According to Minister of Higher Education and Highways and the Leader of the House of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella, the Valuation Department has increased the compensation from Rs.4,500/- to Rs.11,000/- per perch of paddy field. “In case there are grievances, we are happy to consider appeals,” confirmed Minister Kiriella who urged public support for a national project.

The Northern Central Expressway project initiated under previous regime has progressed in four different locations. The first section between Kadawatha and Meerigama is funded by Exim Bank of China. The second section connects Meerigama and Kurunegala for which funding source is still undecided . Third section connecting Potuhera and Galagedara awaits a loan from the Tokyo – Mitsubishi Bank.

Last section between Kurunegala and Dambulla is funded by the Exim Bank of China.

“A feasibility study was on during the previous Government to construct an expressway from the Enderamulla Interchange of the Outer Circular Way through Gampaha, Meerigama, Kurunegala, and Dambulla and also towards Kandy through Potuhera. Having reassessed the feasibility studies the current Government renamed the project Central Expressway,” said Minister Kiriella.