Four-lane motorway from Devata to Galle to boost tourism and businesses

Galle Fort Civil Defence Society Chairman Nazar Hssain

 Illegal structures near Devata, Galle

• Total investment expected to be around Rs.900mn

In a bid to clear and widen the entrance to the heritage city of Galle, accessed via the Southern Expressway, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has forwarded a special development plan to create a four-lane motorway. 

This access road has become a significant concern, due to unauthorised activities that have obstructed the road. This situation tarnishes the image of one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful cities and also causes considerable distress to tourists and locals alike. 

RDA Galle Chief Engineer Krishanika Bandula said that they have identified this issue. 

“As a solution for this, we have drafted a four-lane road proposal and forwarded it to the relevant authorities.”

This will include building new culverts, installing traffic lights at specific locations and also clearing some of the unauthorised structures. The total investment for this from Deveta to Galle cricket stadium is expected to be around Rs.900 million. 

An official from the Galle District Chamber of Commerce and Industries said that the business establishments as well as tourism ventures in the area can gain more business and increase money flow to the area if unauthorised activities that have obstructed access can be cleared. 

“Tourists hoping to explore the streets of Galle and visit the historic Galle Fort are met with barriers that delay their journey. It’s sad to note that the time taken to reach the Galle Highway entrance is very long and many tourists, especially those staying in the hotels in Galle Fort, complain about this,” said The Galle Tea Shop owner Chirath De Silva. 

“The lack of pedestrian access, coupled with the absence of designated crossings, poses a serious risk to the safety and enjoyment of visitors as well as uncalled for delays.”

Moreover, this disruption has severely impacted access to the bay for recreational activities such as windsurfing, further deterring tourists and locals who seek to engage in these exciting water sports. 

“The beauty of Galle’s Bay, a major attraction for both leisure and adventure seekers, is overshadowed by the logistical difficulties created by these unauthorised activities.” 

Members from several surfing ventures on the beachfront of Devata, Galle said that they need more road access to expand to accommodate more local and foreign water sports enthusiasts. 

“Developing infrastructure that facilitates easy access to the bay for water sports will revitalise interest in these activities and attract more visitors, giving more income to the area.” 

Galle Fort Civil Defence Society Chairman Nazar Hussain said that they have suggested various solutions for this and also the development of the Galle Fort area to the relevant authorities. 

“We urge the local authorities to take immediate action to address these pressing issues.”