The President declared open the Second Phase of the Southern Expressway from Pinnaduwa to Matara this morning, marking another milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming the Wonder of Asia.
E-01, the first Expressway to be constructed in the island from Kottawa to Galle has been extended to Matara. President Rajapaksa who arrived with Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa ceremonially declared open its extension from Pinnaduwa to Godagama Nilwala interchange, which is 30 kilometres, at an auspicious time this afternoon. The opening took place amidst the chanting of Seth Pirith and multi religious observances. The public who made significant dedications in this respect were present on either side of the Expressway to express their gratitude to the President.
At the Pinnaduwa interchange the President purchased the first ticket, marking the first passenger to travel on the road. Thereafter he exited from the Pinnaduwa interchange located at a distance of 12 kilometres along with Namal Rajapaksa. The President was warmly greeted by the Parliamentarians at the Imaduwa interchange. Residents of Imaduwa, Deniyaya and Akuressa area gathered on either side of the expressway and paid tribute to the President.
The President walked a short distance to greet the people who had gathered on either side of the highway. Thereafter President Rajapaksa commenced his journey from Imaduwa to Kokmaduwa.
The President who travelled the eight kilometer distance was warmly welcomed by the Parliamentarians as he reached the Kokmaduwa interchange. Here too the members of the Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith, blessing the President. After greeting the people who had gathered there, the President commenced his journey along the Southern Expressway from Kokmaduwa to the Godagama Nilwala interchange.
The Project has been completed with the contribution of local engineers with financial assistance from China. The expenditure incurred by the Government for the construction of this 30 kilometre stretch from Pinnaduwa to Godagama was 18.7 billion rupees. The road, which has four lanes, is 20 metres wide.
It was on 27th November 2011 that Sri Lanka registered a landmark in its Expressway history. Since then outstanding achievements have been made in the Highways sector during the last two years in Sri Lanka’s journey towards becoming Asia’s Wonder.
The project will reduce the travel time between Colombo and Matara from five hours to one and a half hours. It also reduces traffic congestion on the Colombo-Matara Road.
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