December 04, Colombo (LNW): The main highway linking Kandy and Colombo has been closed once more at Pahala Kadugannawa, following renewed concerns over safety in the area.
Police confirmed that traffic will not be allowed to pass between Kadugannawa town and Ganetenne until further notice, citing instability along the affected stretch.
Despite the closure, vehicles carrying essential goods and those involved in ongoing relief efforts have been granted passage. Officials from the Road Development Authority (RDA) are on site, carrying out detailed inspections to determine whether the ground conditions have deteriorated after the recent spell of severe weather.
The Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development had reported only yesterday that one lane of the previously blocked section had reopened to motorists, with movement permitted from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The renewed shutdown has therefore come as an unwelcome development for commuters who rely heavily on the route.
In a wider update, the RDA announced that 159 roads affected by landslides, flooding and debris following the heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have now been cleared and made accessible.
Engineering teams continue to operate on extended schedules to stabilise weakened embankments, repair damaged surfaces, and restore safe travel across the island.
Authorities say that the remaining closed roads will be reopened as soon as engineers deem them secure, stressing that public safety remains the foremost priority while recovery work continues.
