President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a high-level meeting today (28) at the Presidential Secretariat to accelerate key infrastructure projects and improve the country’s transport system. The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, as well as the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing.
A key focus of the discussion was the speedy completion of the Mirigama-Kadawatha section of the Central Expressway. The President directed officials to take necessary measures to expedite construction work to ensure its early completion.
The Colombo Port Access Elevated Highway project was also reviewed, with discussions on strategies to integrate its benefits into the national economy. Officials explored both immediate and long-term solutions to address challenges related to the project.
Addressing the growing issue of traffic congestion in Colombo, the meeting highlighted the importance of upgrading the railway system and standardizing bus and road transportation. A pilot project in the Colombo District was proposed as an initial step toward improving urban transport services.
The discussions further extended to the development of multimodal transport hubs in Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Moratuwa. These hubs are expected to enhance urban mobility and improve the efficiency of public transport.
Additionally, the meeting focused on the identification of underutilized lands belonging to the Railway Department. The President emphasized the need for effective management strategies to optimize the use of these lands and contribute to the national economy.
Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.
