Construction work of 28 bridges completed under French aid

Thursday, 31 July 2014 00:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Unibridge Agency Chairman Pillipe Matiere stated that the construction work of 28 bridges under the Reconstruction Program of 46 bridges implemented in Sri Lanka under French aid has been completed. This was so stated when he met Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa recently (28) at the Ministry of Economic Development. A discussion on the progress of the Bridge construction program implemented in Sri Lanka by the French Government and future construction programs, took place between the Minister and the Chairman of Unibridge Agency. Financial aid amounting to Euros 22 million was granted by the French Government for the purpose of widening and reconstructing 46 bridges in dilapidated condition in Sri Lanka and bridges to be reconstructed were selected on priority basis covering various regions in the island. Minister Basil Rajapaksa explaining that the program for the construction of 1,000 bridges with minimum facilities is also being presently implemented in a successful manner, stated that Sri Lanka has rapidly developed, benefits of which have accrued to the people, thereby enhancing their living standard. The Minister added that with the enhancement of living standard, the number of vehicles used by them also has gone up, which comparatively necessitated widening of the road network. Accordingly, it was necessary to widen narrow bridges and reconstruct dilapidated bridges to suit improved road network. French Ambassador M. Jean Paul Monchau, Unibridge Marketing Director Rechard Gledhill and Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development Priyantha Mayadunna were present on his occasion.