Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Central Expressway: Agreement to be signed with Taisai next week

20 September 2017 05:20 pm - 12     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Highways Minister Lakshman Kiriella said today the agreement to hand over the construction work on the Central Expressway would be signed with the Japanese Company, Taisai next week.

He told a news conference that the Cabinet had approved the decision to do so.

The minister said there had been no malpractice in the tender procedure and that they were able to reduce the Taisai bid from Rs.159 billion to Rs.134.9 billion after discussions.

He said the work on the Central Expressways was to have begun in August last year but it was delayed because of the tender procedure.

"The previous government gave contracts on building expressways without any tender procedures," the minister said.

He said some people were opposed to building the central expressway and recalled that the UNP government planned to construct it in 2002 but was unable to do so because the then government was toppled.

The minister said he was not prepared to respond to COPE Chairman Sunil Hadunnetti, who did not have any expert knowledge on expressways but would do so should the Attorney General raise any queries on any matter.

He said MP Handunnetti could question him on financial matters connected to the expressway only after the relevant accounts were tabled in parliament and based on the AG's observations on it. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 12

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • ranjit demel Wednesday, 20 September 2017 09:24 PM

    have you got expert knowledge on eaxpressways.

    mnsmart Thursday, 21 September 2017 08:15 AM

    He is an expert in expressing...

    Sharon Thursday, 21 September 2017 08:18 AM

    Bond (Part II)

    Vernon Thursday, 21 September 2017 08:44 AM

    It is correct that Central Expressway was the No. 1 priority from planning perspective from longtime back, but MR overriding it and doing the southern one first. No one in parliament has any expert knowledge, except may a just a handful. Just because one is a doctor, engineer, lawyer etc, it does not mean expertise in that field. It is such a vast subject. Financial side is only one side of the subject. Legal side is another matter where the AG can comment. It is a known fact that LK Minister is no saint .

    Premalal Thursday, 21 September 2017 08:46 AM

    It was a sham of a press conference. The only inference that could have been drawn is that many including the highest in the UNP knows that their days are numbered and are very busy filling their pockets. Kiriella cut a pathetic version of a crook caught in the act. He took the obvious course of action. Escape.

    cheers Thursday, 21 September 2017 09:03 AM

    Minister the difference with the previous regime even without tender procedure the highways were built and being used by people.Your govt have been in power since 2015 no expressway or even a freeway is built. This is the reputation of your govt so do not boast much

    Dr. A.C.B. Jayaweera Thursday, 21 September 2017 09:17 AM

    Go ahead Sir, you are a honest person, un-like MR, Basil and Gotta who made in billions on constructional projects.

    Aladeniya Kirimathaya Thursday, 21 September 2017 09:21 AM

    Well done Sir, your mission and vision is fine and the blessings from SriLankans are upon you.

    Kadupol Jothywansa Thursday, 21 September 2017 09:23 AM

    You are the only strong and hard nut for UNP, do what you promised Sir, never leave room for the rotten JO opposition looters to open their mouths, but see them behind bars soon.

    Lion Viswanathan Thursday, 21 September 2017 09:26 AM

    No one can play hanky panky games with you Hon. Minister, we are there to back you, don't worry. Before 2020 we must see more and more high ways all over the island.

    Manuel Benjamin Thursday, 21 September 2017 09:28 AM

    If MR, Basil and Gotta are trapped for Highway commissions, that money is more than enough to construct 10-15 highways, please work out plans Hon. Minister.

    Ravindra Ekanayake Thursday, 21 September 2017 01:35 PM

    This is a Project which should have started long time ago on a priority basis. Traveling to Kandy during peak hours take 4-5 hours. its a waste of Foreign exchange spent on fuel, people's time and energy. Certain media institutions try to show that there is corruption when awarding tenders which PM has clarified. They don't feel the way as travelers feel. JVP does not have a practical solutions for what they talk. Only fairy tales.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H