Road Development Projects Worth Rs. 185 Million Begin in Kalutara District

Three road development projects in the Kalutara District, with a total estimated cost of Rs. 185 million, have commenced under the leadership of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, in line with the government’s “A Wealthy Country – A Beautiful Life” programme.

The projects aim to improve transportation facilities for residents of the Kalutara District while strengthening the rural and urban road network.

The projects are being implemented in the Horana, Kalutara and Agalawatta electoral divisions.

Accordingly, the Horana–Kumbuka Batuwita–Narangahahena Road, covering 2.11 kilometres, is being developed at a cost of Rs. 38 million. The Agalawatta Bodhiyakanda–Mulatiyana Road is being developed at a cost of Rs. 89 million, while the Kalutara Gonaduwa–Kawatayagoda–Dikwella Road, covering 1.7 kilometres, is being developed at a cost of Rs. 58 million. All three roads will be fully carpeted.

The programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Road Development Authority (RDA) under the Second Integrated Road Investment Programme (iRoad-2), with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The iRoad programme is designed to improve connectivity between rural communities and socio-economic centres.

Speaking at the commencement of the projects, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that many rural roads requiring development exist not only in the Kalutara District but across the country, and that these roads are being prioritised and developed according to their needs through a planned programme.

The Minister said approximately Rs. 1 billion would be spent on iRoad projects in the Kalutara District, with additional funds being allocated for road development under the central government.

He also said work on the Kahathuduwa–Ingiriya Expressway is expected to commence before the end of this year, while steps will be taken to develop remaining sections of the expressway network, including Kadawatha–Mirigama, Kurunegala–Dambulla and Kurunegala–Kandy.

He further said the government is allocating substantial funds for the development of rural roads and expressways, with Rs. 2,000 billion expected to be allocated for development activities next year.

According to the information provided, the overall estimated value of the iRoad-2 works referenced is Rs. 691,807,348.76, covering a total road length of 20 kilometres, with a construction period of 455 days.

The inauguration ceremonies were attended by Kalutara District Members of Parliament Danushka Ranganath and Oshani Umanga Hapuarachchi, Horana Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Nirmal de Silva, Deputy Chairman Piyasena Amarakoon, Pradeshiya Sabha members Kumara Gamage and Wijayasiri Fernando, Deputy Project Director of the Road Development Authority J. Srinivasan, government officials, engineers and a large number of residents.

The broader iRoad-2 programme is an ADB-supported road investment programme being implemented through the Road Development Authority.