March 28, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a high-level discussion with officials from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, as well as the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, at the Presidential Secretariat today (28).
The meeting focused on advancing major infrastructure projects and addressing critical issues in transportation and urban planning.
A primary agenda item was the long-anticipated construction of the Mirigama-Kadawatha section of the Kandy-Colombo Expressway. The President instructed officials to expedite the project, recognising its significance in enhancing connectivity between Colombo and the central regions of the country.
Discussions also centred on the economic benefits of the Colombo Port Access Expressway, with officials presenting both short-term and long-term strategies to resolve challenges associated with the project.
The expressway is expected to ease congestion and boost commercial activity by improving access to the country’s main port.
Further attention was given to the modernisation of the railway system and a pilot initiative aimed at standardising bus and road transport services within the Colombo District.
The proposal seeks to introduce a more efficient public transport network to reduce urban traffic congestion, which remains a pressing issue for commuters.
The meeting also explored plans to transform Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Moratuwa into multimodal transport hubs. This initiative is expected to integrate various modes of transport, improving mobility and accessibility in key urban centres.
Additionally, officials discussed the optimal use of Railway Department lands that are currently underutilised. The President emphasised the need for a strategic approach to managing these properties, ensuring they contribute to national economic growth.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunathilaka, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and a delegation of senior ministry officials.
