EU gives Rs 4.6 b for Southern Coastal Road rehabilitation

The newly rehabilitated southern coastal road stands as a landmark of post-tsunami recovery while promoting a long-term alliance between the people of the South and East of the Island.

The main coastal and inland road from Matara to Wellawaya which spans 158 km was damaged by the 2004 tsunami.

The rehabilitation has been carried out through the implementation of the highest international standards in keeping with the national requirements which includes road widening, road elevation, improvement of side drains and culverts, reconstruction of damaged bridges, construction of new bridges as well as the provision of other road amenities.

In completing this road section, the European Union has assisted the Tsunami Affected Areas Rebuilding Project (TAARP) initiated by the Government and helped connect Tsunami affected districts to the national and provincial road networks, thereby significantly increasing economic benefits while strengthening the social and cultural ties between communities.

The road was officially handed over by Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Bernard Savage to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a ceremony at Temple Trees yesterday.

Prior to handing over Ambassador, Savage was quoted as saying "the newly reconstructed 158 km of road is a gift to Sri Lanka in the spirit of friendship and solidarity from the people of Europe.

This road will now serve as a link promoting economic, social and cultural exchanges and friendship between the people of the South and the East of the country". The Matara - Wellawaya road was rehabilitated in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and Road Development Authority.