Southern Expressway extension to be commissioned in November

• Cabinet approval to be sought next week for funds to recommence work on first section

By P. D.de Silva

The extension of the Southern Expressway will be operational by end of November, Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairman Nihal Sooriarachchi said yesterday. The RDA Chairman told reporters this week that the 96 km stretch costing Rs. 255.2 billion and funded by the Exim Bank of China and the Government of Sri Lanka will be opened by the end of November. 

The project was constructed in four sections:

Section 1: Matara to Beliatta – 30km – Rs. 113.5 billion 

Section 2: Beliatta to Wetiya – 26 km –Rs. 55.2 billion 

Section 3: Wetiya to Andarawewa–15 km– Rs. 31.5 billion 

Section 4: Mattala - Hambantota via Andarawewa–25 km – Rs. 56 billion 

There will be interchanges after Godagama at Aparekka, Beliatta, Kasagala, Angunakolapelessa, Wetiya, Sooriyawewa, Mattala and Hambantota. 

On being asked about the work stoppage on the first section by the contractor AVIC international on 2July due to non-settlement of invoices, the Chairman said that Cabinet approval would be sought on 9 Julyto release funds for the project. He said the firm had agreed to continue work.