Sri Lanka to award Rs 15 billion contract for Ruwanpura Expressway Phase 1
EconomyNext: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has recently approved a proposal to award contracts worth approximately 15 billion rupees to construct the first phase of the Ruwanpura Expressway Project during 2026, cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said.
The project will be funded through local budgetary allocations already approved for the year 2026. Under this phase, the Road Development Authority (RDA) plans to complete the procurement process and select a suitable contractor to build the road stretch connecting Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya.
“The Road Development Authority has planned to complete the procurement process for the construction of the Phase – 1 road section of the Ruwanpura Expressway Project from Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya, including the System Interchange to be constructed at Kahathuduwa, and award the relevant contracts within the year 2026,” Jayatissa said.
The scope of work also covers the construction of a System Interchange at Kahathuduwa, which will link the new expressway with the existing Southern Expressway to ensure smooth connectivity.
The minister noted that the decision grants official approval to initiate the procurement process using national funding sources.
“The proposal to implement the relevant procurement process and select a suitable contractor at an estimated cost of about Rs. 15 billion from local funds within the approved provisions for the year 2026 was approved by the Cabinet,” Jayatissa said.
The Ruwanpura Expressway project aims to improve regional transit links by connecting key areas in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces to the island’s expanding expressway network.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s accelerating infrastructure drive is creating fresh business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors seeking to participate in the country’s long-term economic expansion. The commencement of the first phase of the Ruwanpura Expressway is one of several major public infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, boosting regional development and supporting private sector growth. While the initial construction is being financed through domestic budgetary allocations, large-scale infrastructure development generates significant business opportunities for international companies in engineering, construction technology, project management, transport systems, construction materials, logistics, environmental services and smart infrastructure solutions. As new road networks improve access to industrial zones, ports and commercial centres, they also stimulate investment in manufacturing, logistics, real estate, tourism and export-oriented industries. The broader development programme is also encouraging collaboration between foreign businesses/investors and Sri Lankan companies through joint ventures, technology partnerships and knowledge transfer. Local firms offer market expertise and established operational networks, while international partners can contribute capital, advanced technologies and global best practices. As Sri Lanka continues to invest in modern infrastructure to support economic growth, the country is strengthening its position as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, offering businesses/investors the opportunity to participate in projects that will shape the nation’s long-term development while gaining access to a strategically located South Asian market.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260807Z_2 |