Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake has raised concerns over delays in the construction of the Colombo Port Access Elevated Highway, stating that the main contractor is slowing progress by citing various reasons.
Addressing a media briefing at the Ministry yesterday (5), the Minister said that despite the Government providing the required support and facilities, the contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has failed to maintain expected progress on the 5.3-kilometre stretch of the project.
He noted that shortcomings in the initial design and ongoing land acquisition challenges have also contributed to setbacks, although authorities have now begun addressing access-related issues along the route.
According to the contractor, the Port Access segment is expected to be completed by August 2026. Meanwhile, the section extending from the Port Access Road to the Galle Face–Lotus Roundabout has been awarded to a separate contractor, with a projected completion timeline of mid-2027.
The Minister further revealed that a feasibility study is underway to assess potential traffic congestion at the Galle Face–Lotus Roundabout once the expressway link becomes operational. As part of a broader solution, the Government plans to extend the Marine Drive coastal corridor up to Moratuwa to ease traffic flow.
