The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala
Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala sought clarification from the Minister on the 2025 work plan and budget allocations for several expressway projects. He asked whether work would proceed on the Kurunegala–Dambulla corridor despite no visible allocation, and requested updates on restarting the stalled Kadawatha–Meerigama section, including the role of the Chinese contractor. He also asked for timelines for the Pothuhera–Galagedara section, particularly the Rambukkana–Galagedara stretch, emphasizing its importance for access to Kandy and wider North–South connectivity.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, I will be brief. I seek clarifications from the Minister on expressways in 2025 estimates. The Kurunegala–Dambulla corridor is crucial, linking to Trincomalee and to Anuradhapura–Jaffna axes, yet no 2025 allocation appears. Travel can take two hours because of many towns; Dambulla is a 24/7 produce hub. Land surveys and acquisitions have been done. Will there be activity in 2025?
¶ 02 On Kadawatha–Meerigama expressway: started long ago; the Chinese contractor halted and progress now lingers around 25–30%. Please clarify the plan to restart with China as the Minister indicated.
¶ 03 On Pothuhera–Galagedara section: work has begun up to Rambukkana, reportedly by local contractors; the Rambukkana–Galagedara stretch is vital for Kandy access, relieving current detours via Mawathagama/Mallawapitiya. Please clarify timelines.
¶ 04 Southern Expressway is welcome, but so are Dambulla/Kandy/Kurunegala corridors essential for North–South connectivity. Please outline the work plan. Thank you.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Friday, 7 March 2025 ·No. 1743066559006904 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. J.C. Alawathuwala. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 7 March 2025. No. 1743066559006904. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/17905