“Baladaksha Mawatha” flyover opened to the public

Colombo, Jan. 19 (Daily Mirror) - The newly constructed “Baladaksha Mawatha” flyover was officially opened to the public today, marking a significant step in efforts to reduce traffic congestion in Colombo’s busy city area.

Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament, Bimal Ratnayake, highlighted the broader context of development in the country during the ceremony.

"The country has had to face the curse of economic crimes that have resulted from stealing, wasting, and destroying the nation, leading to bankruptcy. We will overcome these challenges and move forward with development activities free from theft and corruption," Minister Ratnayake said.

The 340-meter-long and 11-meter-wide flyover, the third in a series of flyovers aimed at easing Colombo traffic, allows vehicles to travel from Galle Face to Company Road and Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha. It was constructed under the patronage of the Road Development Authority (RDA) and funded by the Government of Sri Lanka as part of the Sustainable Road Development Program.

Minister said that the area surrounding the flyover, which includes the Presidential Secretariat, major business hubs, and several hotels, has long been prone to heavy traffic congestion.

"Plans for three flyovers in this area were made several years ago. While two have already been completed, the construction of this flyover faced delays due to the economic crisis and other challenges. Through close coordination with the Police Department, we were able to overcome obstacles and expedite completion," he said.

Originally estimated to cost Rs. 2,700 million, the flyover’s delayed construction resulted in an additional expenditure of Rs. 1 billion. Minister Ratnayake emphasized that the flyover’s completion will provide significant convenience and benefit to the public. He also extended his gratitude to the Police Department and the Road Development Authority for their cooperation.

The opening ceremony was attended by Colombo Mayor Vrai Kelley Balthazar, several local politicians, RDA Chairman T. Paskaran, Retired Director General H. H. N. A. Hettiarachchi, and senior officials from the Police Department.