News
Johnston opens newly developed 86.7km stretch of highway from Bibile to Chenkalady
Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday opened the newly rehabilaited 86.7 km stretch of highway from Bibile to Chenkalady.
The project is considered a majorster to the economy as it provides people easy access to markets and social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals and reducing the travel time due to the reduction of traffic congestion and ultimately reducing the travel cost benefiting passengers and industries. The feasibility study of the project to develop this stretch of the A5 main road to a two-lane highway commenced in 2014. The A5 highway from Peradeniya, Badulla to Chenkalady is 275 km long. Development and upgrading the road had been done in three phases by two construction companies. The first phase covered the development of a 29 km stretch from Bibile to Padiyatalawa, The 30 km stretch from Padiyatalawa to Tempitiya was covered by the second phase. Under the third phase of the project a 27.7 km stretch of road from Tempitiya to Chenkalady was upgraded. Upgrading the 86.7 km long road from Bibile to Chenkalady cost Rs 7,200 million. The Saudi Fund for Development assisted the Lankan government in covering the cost.
A sum of Rs 12.4 million had been paid as compensation for the loss of lands of people in Bibile, Rideemaliyadda, Padiyatalawa and Mahaoya divisional secretariat areas because of the project.
Among those present were State Minister of Backward Rural Areas Development and Promotion of Domestic Animal Husbandry and Minor Economic Crop Cultivation, S Viyalendran, CEO of Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Bin Abdul Rahim Al-Marshad, politicians of the district, and officials led by Secretary to the Ministry of Highways RWR Pemasiri.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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