The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament

¶ 01 Mr. Deputy Speaker, the answer is as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) The contracted duration to complete the renovation is 699 days (23 months). (ii) Initially, the contract period was from 31.08.2023 to 29.11.2024 (456 days), but it was subsequently extended to 30.07.2025. Hence, after extension, 456 days became 699 days. (iii) Construction was commenced by the Road Development Authority (RDA) on 31.08.2023. Consequently, traffic over the bridge was restricted by the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Road Development Authority to pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and three-wheelers. (iv) To minimize public inconvenience, provision has been made to allow bicycles, motorcycles and three-wheelers to pass. (v) Frequent flooding and fluctuating water levels of the Kelani River during the heavy rains in 2023 and 2024 made access to pier locations in the river difficult, affecting construction of new in-river piers. I must note, however, that seasonal flooding in May–June is not unusual and should have been anticipated by both the RDA and the contractor when awarding and accepting the contract. Nonetheless, the river conditions have had an impact. (vi) Yes/Not applicable. (vii) The contractor is acting in accordance with the contract. Requests for time extension have been made and are under consideration. I must add that due to very poor performance by certain companies, including this contractor, several Ministries including the Ministry of Highways have faced severe difficulties, causing great hardship to the public. Four stronger companies have already been blacklisted. Subcontractors are reluctant to work with some such firms, aggravating delays. This contractor-related problem is more significant than hydrological issues. (viii) Not applicable. (ix) Measures taken to expedite and minimize inconvenience: 1. Construction of a temporary bridge and removal of corroded steel deck plates of the old bridge, preparing to recast with concrete. 2. Fortnightly progress review meetings with the Chairman, Director-General, Additional Director-General, Deputy Director-General (Construction), Project Engineers and relevant officers of the RDA to set targets and issue necessary directions.

¶ 03 (b) Not applicable.