Improved public commuting on the horizon as expressway nears completion 

The second phase of the Central Expressway project from Mirigama to Kurunegala is anticipated to be completed by the end of November, Project Director of the Road Development Authority (RDA) V. Mohan reveals.

The Central Expressway project has been designed for four stages of implementation: from Kadawatha to Mirigama (37 kilometres), Mirigama to Kurunegala (39.3 kilometres), Pothuhera to Galagedara (32.5 kilometres) and Kurunegala to Dambulla (60.3 kilometres).

According to official statements, all property owners were duly compensated for lands acquired for the project, which commenced in January 2017. It is reported that a sum of Rs. 4.7 million has been paid by the government to these landowners.


Of the four sections, construction of the Mirigama to Kurunegala stage – which commenced on 16 January 2017 – was undertaken by four local construction companies.

Furthermore, construction work on all four sections is simultaneously in progress, according to reports.

On completion, the public is expected to be able to travel the 39 kilometre section in at least 20 minutes.

The project is anticipated to provide a much needed boost to public transport between Colombo and the Northern, North Central, Eastern and Central Provinces.