The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala
Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala supported the Motion, stating that expressways are important for reducing travel time and promoting economic activity, including tourism. He noted that the Ruwanpura Expressway had been delayed after earlier groundbreakings due to the economic crisis but had now been recommenced, and urged its swift implementation to improve access to Ratnapura. He also called on the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways to expedite the Kurunegala–Dambulla section of the Central Expressway, citing its importance for connectivity to Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee and the North, and noting that much of the land acquisition had already been completed.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 [11.50 a.m.]
¶ 02 This is an important Motion. Expressways are essential, especially to save time. The Ruwanpura Expressway has had multiple groundbreakings but was halted due to bankruptcy and the economic collapse. The present Government has recommenced it.
¶ 03 It will benefit the centre of the country through Ratnapura — tourism and more. The Southern Expressway exists; Central Expressway’s Mirigama–Kurunegala local contractor section is complete; Kadawatha–Mirigama has restarted after delays, including environmental litigations that escalated costs. Delays always multiply costs. I urge the Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways to expedite Kurunegala–Dambulla — a difficult but crucial link to Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee and the North. Lands have largely been acquired; please find funds and commence quickly.
¶ 04 Time to Ratnapura is long due to congestion; the expressway would halve it. I urge expeditious implementation.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Friday, 10 October 2025 ·No. 22640 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 10 October 2025. No. 22640. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/13942