Road development roars ahead

Pix by Chaminda Hittatiya

Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa participated in the handing over ceremony of approximately Rs. 827 million worth of machinery to expedite the Provincial Road Development Programme and Irrigation System Development Programme initiated by the Ministry of Economic Development islandwide. This handing over ceremony was held at Colombo Municipal Ground yesterday.

Acting on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development initiated the Provincial Road Development Project in order to create a good road network islandwide. Under this programme a stretch of 3,740 kms of road will be developed and carpeted in all districts. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 22,000 million. The proposed development includes carpeting of roads, improvement of pavements, bridges, drainage, and replacement of culverts. The Ministry of Economic Development has also implemented a programme to rehabilitate and develop the irrigation system islandwide.

The Ministry of Economic Development expects the machinery to help accelerate development programmes especially in rural areas and also contribute to the development of economy and social activities. The machinery was provided to Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, Ministry of Agrarian Services and Wildlife, State Engineering Corporation, Road Development Authority, Western Province Road Development Authority and several other Government institutions.

Deputy Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Lasantha Algiyawanna, Minister of Southern Provincial Council Chandima Rasaputhra and Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Highways R.W.R. Premasiri also participated at this occasion