Sri Lanka Allocates Rs. 342 Bn for Road Development

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan government has announced a major push to revive stalled road development projects that were suspended during the recent economic crisis. 

A total of Rs. 342 billion has been allocated in the 2026 budget to recommence and accelerate these projects, which are expected to ease transportation challenges and boost economic activity.

Central Expressway Projects:

Work on the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway (Phase I) has already resumed, with Rs. 66.15 billion earmarked for completion in 2026. 

Additionally, Phase III of the expressway, covering the Polgahawela–Rambukkana section, is scheduled for completion by early 2027. The government has allocated Rs. 10.5 billion for this segment and proposed Rs. 20 billion for the Rambukkana–Galagedara section, which will be funded through domestic resources and budgetary allocations.

Kandy Road Network Upgrades:

Feasibility studies for widening the Katugastota–Galagedara road section will begin next year. This initiative, along with the construction of the Kandy Multi-Modal Transport Centre, aims to reduce traffic congestion in Kandy city significantly.

Kurunegala–Dambulla Expressway:

Land acquisition for the proposed Kurunegala–Dambulla Expressway is underway, with Rs. 1 billion allocated to complete the process.

Ruwanpura Expressway:

The partially completed Kahathuduwa–Ingiriya section of the Ruwanpura Expressway will be reassessed following a feasibility review. To address economic and social challenges faced by local communities, Rs. 1.5 billion has been allocated for land acquisition and related activities.

Colombo Connectivity:

To improve connectivity between Colombo Port and Port City, the government will conduct a feasibility study for a link between the Port Access Elevated Highway and Marine Drive Extension (Phase II). Rs. 330 million has been allocated for this study, which aims to ease congestion around the Lotus Roundabout and Galle Face area.