President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that enhancing the efficiency of road development projects is crucial for achieving rural economic development goals. He highlighted the need to streamline the procurement process for these projects, ensuring that local communities benefit rather than allowing contracts to concentrate in the hands of a few. The President made these remarks during a progress review meeting for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation held yesterday (16) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The meeting extensively covered various projects under the ministry, focusing on constructing the Kadawatha-Mirigama section of the Central Expressway. He emphasized the importance of developing ports, airports, and highways for the economic growth of the country, asserting that careful planning of these projects could significantly uplift the national economy. In executing ongoing road development projects, he called for attention to environmental, financial, and community impacts, urging measures to minimize adverse effects and ensure timely implementation. Additionally, President Dissanayake instructed officials to prioritize the safety of railway employees and the public in the execution of railway line projects.
The Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, along with various officials from affiliated institutions of the ministry, were also present at the meeting.
