It was reported that drug addicts have removed the copper wires and nails worth Rs.286 million from the Golden Gate Kalyani or the New Kelani Bridge which was constructed with loan assistance received from Japan.

The copper wires inside the concrete covers have been removed by breaking the concrete covers at night.

In addition, it was revealed that drug addicts have even cut the high voltage wires on the Katunayake-Colombo Expressway (E03). As a result, the authorities have been unable to keep the street lights on along the Expressway.

This was revealed at the National Security Council which met last Tuesday (11) under the chairmanship of the President.

Transport Ministry Secretary Priyantha Mayadunne and the officials of the Road Development Authority (RDA) have forwarded all the reports in this regard to the National Security Council.

Meanwhile, MP Sarath Weerasekera told the media that it was revealed at the National Security Subcommittee of Parliament chaired by him that the new Kelani Bridge is in danger due to the cutting of the copper cables connected from the ground. Accordingly, he had directed the responsible departments to ensure the security of the bridge immediately.

He has suggested making the area a high security zone.

Accordingly, it was reported that attention has been drawn to entrust the security of the bridge and the expressway to Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Limited.

In addition to the electric cables on the E03, even the safety nets have been cut and sold for iron.

The Golden Gate Kalyani was inaugurated on November 24, 2021.