President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated today (17) that Sri Lanka is on the path to becoming a nation with a strong economic foundation, highlighting that the year 2025 marks a decisive turning point for the country in economic, social, political, and legal spheres.
The President made these remarks while inaugurating the resumption of construction work on the Kadawatha–Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway, a project that was halted midway due to the recent economic crisis.
As part of the relaunch, work began on the Kadawatha interchange and the first 500 meters of the expressway, which will serve as a crucial link connecting the Central Expressway to the national expressway network. The allocated cost for this initial 500-meter stretch amounts to Rs. 8.692 billion, fully funded through domestic resources.
The Kadawatha–Mirigama section spans 37 kilometers, with a total estimated cost of Rs. 229.532 billion. Funding will be drawn from both local resources and concessional loans provided by the Chinese government. The project is scheduled for completion by mid-2028.
President Dissanayake further emphasized that economic development cannot be confined solely to infrastructure projects. He noted that the government is working across multiple dimensions to strengthen economic and social stability. These efforts include ensuring the rule of law by bringing all citizens under one legal framework, eradicating organized crime and drug trafficking, eliminating corruption and bribery across political institutions, and modernizing the public service through improved salaries and facilities.
