News
Work on elevated highway to reduce travel time between Colombo Fort and Ingurukade junction to 5 min commences
Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday commenced the work on the first section of the 3,279 precast concrete sections of the Port Access Elevated Highway from Ingurukade Junction to the Colombo Port City. It was the first time precast concrete bridge technology was being used in the country, the Ministry said in a release.
The Ministry said the travel time between Ingurukade junction and Fort, which takes about 45 minutes now, would be reduced to five minutes once the project was completed. The 5.3 km highway on pillars will be connected to the New Kelani Bridge via the Ingurukade junction, near the Kelanitissa Power Station, and extend onwards to the Colombo Port City. It is going to be a four-lane highway built at a cost of Rs 28,002 million. The construction is to be carried out by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation under the supervision of the Road Development Authority and Ministry of Highways.
The Port Access Elevated Highway has five on-and-off ramp facilities to provide entrances at the Ingurukade Junction, near Wimaladhamra building at Pettah, Aluth Mawatha entrance, Galle Face entrance and the Port City entrance. The project will help ease traffic congestion in Colombo’s densely populated areas, improve connectivity between the country’s expressway network and Colombo port, provide better logistics services for freight operations, and facilitate regional trade.
In addition, a 17-storeyed Maritime Facilitation Centre is to be constructed outside the port perimeter instead of the buildings demolished to make way for the elevated highway. It is to be conducted by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in a land belonging to the SLPA with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank at a cost of Rs 4,099 million within 24 months.
“The Sri Lanka Ports Authority offices, and other offices providing maritime services will be housed in the new building, and this will increase the efficiency by enabling people to obtain all these services under one roof. It has been envisaged to increase efficiency by an online network that would reduce the use of paper in the new centre,” Minister Fernando said.
Among those present at yesterday’s launching ceremony were Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Rural Roads and Other Infrastructure State Minister Nimal Lanza, Secretary to the Ministry of Highways R.W.R. Pemasiri, Project Director of the Port Access Elevated Highway project and other ministry officials.
The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.
The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491
The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.
The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.
The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.
Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.
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