President Maithripala Sirisena stressed the need for a national highways policy which does not change from time to time, when carrying out various highway projects. 

The President made these remarks at a progress review meeting of the Road Development Authority at the President's Office yesterday.

President Sirisena also inquired about the ongoing construction works of the expressways, renovation works of roads, construction of new roads and the financial situation of the institution.

During the meeting the Chairman of the Road Development Authority stated that the Expressway construction of the section from Meerigama to Kurunegala and the section from Kadawatha to Meerigama will be completed by September, 2019, and the 50 percent of the construction work of the section from Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya will be completed by the end of this year.

The President also questioned in detail the officials regarding the allegations over alleged misdeeds involving the Southern Expressway and the Central Expressway projects,and instructed the officials of the Road Development Authority to address them by conducting a press conference or providing accurate information to the media in a transparent manner.

At present, the plan for the Northern Expressway has been formulated under the road development projects in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the Government of India has expressed willingness to provide loans. 

The President also instructed the officials to expeditiously prepare a plan to construct a highway or a high standard road that would be easily accessible from East to Colombo.

President Sirisena also inquired about the ways the funds received for road development and flyover projects and instructed the officials to expedite the payment of compensation for those who lost their lands and properties due to expressway constructions.

The President then highlighted the importance of preparing plans for the construction of expressways, while minimising impact on day to day lives of the public and the environment.

The President inquired about the progress of road development activities carried out under the “Pibidemu Polonnaruwa (Awakening of Polonnaruwa)” District Development Project and the progress of the construction works of Colombo, Kadawatha and Nittambuwa roads.

He directed the officials to expedite these projects and address the issues that have emerged. 

The officials informed the President that the construction works of the Ganemulla, Polgahawela and Rajagiriya flyovers under the Spanish flyover project are in its final phase.

They also said Road development activities were being carried out in Kottawa and Godagama areas under loan facilities of Saudi Arabia and OPEC'

Minister Lakshman Kiriella, State Minister Dilan Perera, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando,Secretary to the Ministry of Higher Education and Highways, the Chairman of the Road Development Authority and other officials were present at the meeting.