Finance and Highways Ministers discuss Central Expressway construction

19 June 2015 03:37 am

A discussion was held on June 17 at the Finance Ministry between the Highways and Investment Promotion Minister Kabir Hashim, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Highways and Investment Promotion Ministry Secretary, Finance Ministry Secretary and a Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister regarding the construction of the Central Expressway.

Minister Hashim said that it had been agreed in principle that construction on the Central Expressway is to begin. He explained that the government was committed to ensuring the process was carried out in a transparent and rapid manner.

The minister added that emphasis would be given to the use of local contractors in the upcoming project as he was convinced that they had the expertise to carry out the work. However, he stressed that the tenders for the project would also be open to foreign contractors. 

The ministry is currently in the process of exploring funding options for the project both from local and international financial institutions.