Proposal for foreign company to run expressways
The Government is considering a proposal to hand over the management and operation of existing and proposed expressways to an international company, Highways Minister Lakshman Kiriella said.He told the Sunday Times that in terms of the proposal, the company would make an advance payment to operate the expressways for about 25 years and collect the toll charges. “The advance payments will be useful to complete the proposed expressways to Ruwanpura, Dambulla and Jaffna,” he said.
The minister said some international companies had already expressed interest and the Government would consider the most favourable proposal. A Road Development Authority spokesman said RDA officials would continue to serve on the expressway while the company might instal new equipment to operate the entry and exit gates.
He said the Ministry would require more than Rs 440 billion to complete the expressway projects and therefore it was not possible to depend only on the allocations from the Treasury. “This system has been adopted by many other countries,”
he added.
(Source: The Sunday Times)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka President urges action on rural development, production-based economy May 16, 2025
- Death penalty for three in major heroin trafficking case May 16, 2025
- Sri Lanka sees strong growth in tourist arrivals in early May 2025 May 16, 2025
- Two men arrested at BIA with Rs. 210 million worth of gold hidden in vehicle parts May 16, 2025
- Sri Lanka President approves anti-corruption units in provincial, local bodies May 15, 2025
There goes another asset.
Why not sell Wellawatta to Tamil Nadu?
Rs. 440 billion needed to complete the project. Is the commission for the politicians included?
I do not understand the wisdom of giving all our assets to foreign entities. Are we so incapable, inefficient nation. Before long we will ask foreign companies to come and pregnant our women folks!