📈 Cabinet Approves Rs. 2 Bn for Southern Highway Upgrades

The Cabinet of Ministers has greenlit two major contracts totaling over Rs. 2 billion to rehabilitate the Colombo-Galle-Hambantota-Wellawaya Road (A002), a vital artery for the transport and logistics sector in the southern corridor. • Overall Investment & Scope The projects fall under the National Highways Widening and Improvement Program, covering approximately 25.6 km of the A002 road to enhance regional connectivity. • Section 1: Kamburugamuwa to Dewinuwara Value: Rs. 1,207.74 million. Scope: Rehabilitation and upgrading of a 13.3 km stretch. Contractor: RR Construction Ltd. (lowest responsive bidder among four). • Section 2: Talalla to Kudawella Value: Rs. 818.23 million. Scope: Improvements to a 12.33 km section. Contractor: Rathna-Suhada Joint Venture Civil Engineers and Contractors Ltd. (selected from seven bids). • Economic Context These upgrades are critical for the construction and tourism sectors, facilitating smoother transit to southern coastal hubs. The projects, proposed by Minister Bimal Rathnayake, aim to bolster infrastructure essential for regional diversification and trade efficiency. 🛣️