Kiriella remains bullish on Central Expressway

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Print media reported today a statement made by Minister Lakshman Kiriella regarding the Central Expressway. The Minister of Public Enterprise & Kandy City Development was reported as saying that work on the construction of the Central Expressway will not be halted despite the obstructions and criticisms hurled from various parties based on jealousy and anger. Speaking at a function in Kandy yesterday (June 12th) Minister Kiriella went onto say that the Prime Minister had promised to extend his support towards the construction of this expressway. The Government has made arrangements to obtain large-scale loans from China's Exim Bank, 2 local state banks and the Mitsubishi Bank in Tokyo for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd phases of the project. However, as pointed out in the media the awarding of contracts without conducting an open tender process, the agreement to pay high insurance premiums, constructing the expressway in a disorganized manner and the failure to carry out the proper environment and feasibility studies has led to immense financial and social costs.