News

Launches Rs. 20 billion project to rehabilitate 1,500 km of roads

Published

1 year ago

February 29, 2024

nipuni

A project to rehabilitate 1,500 kilometers of roads across the country will begin at Divisional Secretariat level at a cost of Rs.20 billion today.

The aim of this project is to restore the road system that has been seriously damaged due to non repair as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic and the economic crisis that prevailed in the last two or three years in the country.

“We have also given priority to rehabilitate the road network that has been destroyed due to the landslides and floods caused by the recent torrential rains,” Road Development Authority Director General Sardha Weerakoon said.

Following these circumstances, this year’s budget has allocated funds for the rehabilitation of 1,500 km of roads in the country.

The Transport and Highways Ministry will implement this project in three phases, the Director General said.

He said that the rehabilitation work of 500 km of roads will start today, while the second phase of rehabilitating 500 km of roads and the third phase of rehabilitating 500 km of roads will begin on March 16 and April 2 respectively.

The Director General further stated that this project will be initiated by the chairpersons of the Regional development committees in every Divisional secretariat in the country today under the supervision of the Road Development Authority.

Sorce – dailynews.lk

News

Heat Index expected at ‘Caution’ level

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ tomorrow (April 16) at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts, the Meteorology Department warned.

Effect of the heat index on the human body is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

Accordingly, people at jobsites are urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.

Also, constant checks should be made up on the elderly and the sick.

Adults are advised to not leave children unattended and limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.

The public is also urged to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

HEAT20250416 Download

News

Heavy traffic on Ella-Wellawaya road

Published

5 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Heavy traffic congestion has been reported along the Ella-Wellawaya road due to continuous rainfall.

According to the police, vehicle queues had stretched up to five kilometres.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid the traffic congestion.

News

Govt. needs a plan to face US taxes – RW

Published

9 hours ago

April 16, 2025

editor

Former President – Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that the Sri Lankan government needs to unveil a plan to face the situation created by the US reciprocal taxes.

Making a special statement, Mr. Wickremesinghe points out that although the taxes have been paused at the moment, it will not be scrapped altogether as it is a part of Trump’s manifesto.

As a direct consequence of these taxes, around 100,000 jobs are at risk, he warned, adding that the consequences would ripple across the broader economy.

“Even if the taxes imposed on Sri Lanka are slashed, we will be compelled to pay taxes of 25% – 30%, resulting in exports still declining” he said.

Noting that Sri Lanka will have to generate funds to start setting its debts by 2028 as per the debt restructuring programme, Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasizes that the Government will have to treat this as an emergency situation and come out with a plan to face the situation.

He emphasizes that firstly, discussions must be held with the US and secondly, it must be planned how to solve this issue domestically.