40% of Kadawatha–Mirigama Central Expressway section completed

1 January 2026 06:58 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, January 1 (Daily Mirror) - Nearly 40 per cent of the Kadawatha–Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway has been completed so far, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Ratnayake said today.

The Minister instructed officials to pay close attention to traffic congestion issues previously identified along the Colombo–Kandy road and at expressway entry and exit points during the construction process, in order to minimise inconvenience to motorists.

He made these remarks while inspecting the ongoing development work on the Kadawatha–Mirigama section, which is the first phase of the Central Expressway project.

Although agreements for the project were signed in 2015, construction began only in 2020. However, the work was later completely stalled due to the severe economic crisis caused by failed economic policies, officials said.

Following the appointment of the new government, discussions were resumed between the Ministry of Transport and the Chinese government, resulting in the approval of a loan to complete the remaining work. Construction activities were subsequently restarted on September 17, 2025.

Comments - 9

Sampath Thursday, 01 January 2026 09:32 PM

Please widen the following roads to 4 lines to reduce the traffic congestion that comes with the new highway entrance in Gampaha. 1. Yakkala Gamapaha 2. Miriswatta Gampaha 3. Jaela Gampaha 4. Minuwangoda Gampaha

5 24

Sirisena Thursday, 01 January 2026 10:27 PM

Well done. Go on . Go on with developments

8 26

RanjithT Thursday, 01 January 2026 10:33 PM

No one wants the project to fail, at least the right thinking people unlike you comrades when the country was in a very difficult dollar crisis you guys openly said don't send money, so much for your love for the country. Now to the subject. 40% means about 14km stretch. What comrade transport are you implying? Earth filling done? Now take take a close look at the published photos. Just a couple of earth moving vehicles. At a place where rapid activities are taking place there are quite a number of vehicles moving. Comrade these are photoshoot vehicles. Comrade stop making a fool of yourself you have damaged whatever reputation you had if you had any. Get on with the work complete with the road shoulders, center dividers guard rails and then show it to your washingtons and gullible supporters. Securities Exchange is looking to find a way to issue intrastate bonds and municipal bonds to raise funds. Comrade you are in a desperate situation. Act wisely

10 31

Dr Tissa Fernando Friday, 02 January 2026 02:52 AM

40% was completed before the JVP protests halted the work to protect one old tree . Now, there is no news about what happened to that tree or those who protested against it and big talk big headed Transport minister shamelessly tskubg credit for already completed work.

8 36

Ulysses Tuesday, 06 January 2026 12:52 AM

That 40% would be dead in the water if this govt. wasn't able to continue this project, albeit under the terrible terms originally negotiated to build up the personal wealth of MaRa and Sons. So, let's stop talking about previous completions.

0 3

Mk Friday, 02 January 2026 03:10 AM

As if they did it

3 25

Kandy man Friday, 02 January 2026 05:25 AM

This is a very long over due project and if this can be completed before the next year, it will be a boom to the economy of the up country.

2 17

Spartacus Friday, 02 January 2026 06:54 AM

There needs to be a fast track between Colombo Fort and up to Panadura. The Marine drive has stopped in Dehiwela and needs to be extended until Panadura. This is going to save enormously on commuting time, fuel, pollution etc. If there was a Mahinda or Ranil or Chandrika living in Panadura, then this would have happened. Unfortunately those living in this area are hardworking tax paying ordinary citizens.

4 26

Irs Wednesday, 07 January 2026 07:07 PM

Matter of concern, None of them are wearing safety shoe. Why? Safety is first.

1 0

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