EC gives permission to open the extension of Southern Expressway

The Election Commission has given the go-ahead for the inauguration of two stretches of the southern expressway and another stretch of the Colombo outer circular road today, an official said.

The government will open Barawakumbuka to Matara stretch, and the Andarawewa to Hambantota stretch of the southern expressway. Besides, the Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya stretch of the outer circular highway will also be opened. Once that is opened, the airport expressway will become connected to the southern expressway.

Earlier, the opposition complained to the Election Commission against these events on the basis that it would give political mileage to the government ahead of the presidential elections. However, the Commission’s Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said his office approved the opening of these stretchers of the expressway and the outer circular road was given after assurance by engineers. “Our officials also examined it along with engineers. After that we gave approval,” he said. (Kelum Bandara)