President says road construction must not harm Sinharaja

A controversy had arisen over the extension of the Neluwa - Lankagama road amidst concerns it could damage the world heritage rainforest in the area.

The President, upon touring the area on Saturday, had instructed officials to complete the construction in 90 days, the President's Media Division said.

However, he had insisted that the renovation process must not harm the surrounding eco-system.

Locals of Lankagama who are mainly dependant on tea cultivation can reach Deniyaya in 45 minutes after the construction of the road.

The President had also instructed officials to commence a daily bus service on the Neluwa - Deniya route.

The problems faced by the locals of Lankagama were identified during the Gammadda door-to-door programme in 2016.

The 2016 Gammadda report prepared by the University of Peradeniya stated that the Neluwa-Lankagama road was in a dilapidated condition as it had not been renovated in eight years.

The report revealed that residents faced transport problems as the public transport service only operated on Saturdays.