Biyagama FTZ to get expressway interchange 

• Road to be built as part of 100,000 km program, says Rural Roads State Minister 
• Interchange seen as critical to connect Katunayake, Biyagama and Koggala investment zones 

The Government will build an interchange connecting the Biyagama Free Trade Zone (FTZ) with the Southern Expressway, allowing easer logistical and value chain access under its program to build 100,000 km of roads, an official said yesterday. 

State Minister of Rural Roads and Other Infrastructure Nimal Lanza, issuing a statement, said his ministry plans to provide an interchange to the Biyagama area on the Southern Expressway. 

“This is critical to building interconnections between the Katunayake, Biyagama and Koggala Investment Zones, to promote industries in the Biyagama Investment Zone, and to provide transport facilities to the people in the area,” he said.

The State Minister expressed these views while inaugurating road development projects in the Biyagama electorate this week.

Accordingly, development work of the Mawaramandiya Sudarshi Mawatha, Awariyawatta Godaparawatta Road, Siyambalape North Sudagama Road, and Ulahitiyawa Road in the Biyagama electorate commenced under the national program to develop 100,000 km of roads, which was also outlined in the Budget 2021. 

The distance to be developed for the interchange is 2.5 km and is estimated to cost Rs. 36 million. The interchange is expected to be completed by next year.

He further said that giving this interchange to Biyagama would be a very important opportunity for investors and the people of the Biyagama Investment Zone.

Former Member of Parliament Dulip Wijesekera, Chairman of the Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha Ananda Ganepola, and members of the Biyagama Pradeshiya Sabha were also present at the occasion.