Sri Lanka to begin work on three expressways next year without foreign borrowing

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government will begin work on three expressways next year using only domestic funds and without obtaining any foreign loans.

Addressing a public rally in Bulathsinhala on Sunday (6), the President said construction would begin on the Galagedara–Rambukkana, Ingiriya–Kahathuduwa and Kurunegala–Galewela expressways.

He also said the Government would launch a project to electrify Sri Lanka’s railway network.

As the first phase, the railway lines from Panadura to Maradana, Mallapana to Maradana and Ragama to Maradana are expected to be electrified.

The President said the railway electrification project is estimated to cost Rs. 600 billion and that tenders are expected to be awarded in November.

He added that the Government plans to allocate Rs. 100 billion for the project through next year’s Budget.

The President also said the National People’s Power Government had, within two years, transformed Sri Lanka into a country that commands international recognition and respect.

He made the remarks at the Bulathsinhala rally held as part of the “Two Years of Government – A Better Country” series of public rallies.