Southern Expressway Matara to Hambantota extension ready by April

Construction work of extension of Southern Expressway Matara to Hambantota is to be expedited and it is expected to be opened for the public in the first quarter of 2020, Roads and Highways, Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando stated. 

Minister Fernando made these remarks while addressing the ceremony to commence work in the New Year 2020, held at the Chaitya temple of Sri Lanka Ports Authority yesterday. 

“The former Government had opened the extension of Southern Expressway prior to the completion of constructions. We observed several issues in this regard. Yet our Government is expected to complete construction work of Southern expressway extension from Matara to Hambantota in the first quarter of this year. That is an essential project and we expect it to be completed in April.

“The port is an institution operating with around 10,000 workers. And I am expecting to talk to everyone working here, not personally but at least as groups. The port is a heart of the country. The airport is another. The Ministry of Roads and Highways has a similar importance. All of you know about the procedure follows by the newly appointed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. That’s why he was able defeat the opposition candidate with a comfortable victory over 14 lacks of votes. 

“All of you well aware of the destruction occurred in the country after the defeat of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2015. You know about the destruction occurred in the port sector. And it is immeasurable. They were failed to initiate construction work of ECT during the last four and half years. We expect to commence next phase of the ECT as soon as possible to overcome results behind schedule.

“The lunch which was sold for Rs. 150 had been raised up to Rs. 350 rupees in 24 hours. We stopped it. I will take needed decisions timely with no turning back. The President has assigned this responsibility to me to take the right decisions. We all should work together in achieving organisational goals. Port sector in Sri Lanka has the potential to be developed. 

“I know about the trade unions. I had worked with the trade union of the UNP in the past. It’s very easy to work with me. Everyone can talk to me about difficulties problems face by you. It is the time that country needs your service most. I plead from every trade union to be polite and not make any hindrance for the development of the country and economy.

“They said we had led to decline the economy in 2015. Those were baseless statements. They dragged back the country from five years. Only Ministry of Roads and Highways has to pay Rs. 25 billion of compensation. It was a big destruction which ruined the economy. They have initiated the construction of Central expressway but only the segment from Mirigama to Pothuhera. 

“This project was processed slowly. Now the Treasury is facing a big trouble. There’s nothing to hide. Our President is a genuine Government servant. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa led to root out 30 years of war in other hand huge development projects were implemented. President visited the RMB recently. Opposition members don’t like it. But we like it. We like if he visits here soon.”

State Minister of Ports Development Kanaka Herath, Ministry Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne, SLPA Chairman Major Gen. Daya Ratnayake, high profile officials of SLPA, and a group of Ministry officials participated at this occasion.