Ruwanpura Expressway: No compensation for lost land

COLOMBO (News 1st); People who were severely affected by the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway protested opposite the Horana Divisional Secretariat on Thursday (25).

The protestors alleged that proper compensation was not paid for the land and property taken over for the construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway.

Kumesh Bimsara Alwis, a local activist, stated that they have not been compensated for their lands that were taken over for the expressway construction.

He also mentioned that some people are currently living in rented houses.

News First inquired about this from H.B.M Premakanti, Director of the Ruwanpura Expressway Project of the Road Development Authority.

She noted that an issue had arisen concerning compensating land taken over for the project, as a State Bank had failed to release the tranche from an Rs. 12.9 Billion Loan.

She noted that contractors involved in the construction have left the project due to non-payment.

The director of the project said that Rs. 2.6 Bn has been requested from the Treasury to compensate for the land taken over by the project.

Director of Ruwanpura Expressway Project  H.B.M Premakanti said that steps will be taken to provide compensation as soon as it is received.