Sri Lanka to call bids from contractors for Central Expressway’s Kurunegala-Dambulla stretch
EconomyNext: Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved a proposal to initiate the procurement process for the construction of Phase 1 of the Central Expressway Project’s fourth phase, from Kurunegala to Galewela, government funds and local contractors, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
“It has been decided to implement the Phase 4 of the Central Expressway Project in two phases and to implement the Phase 1 of the 38.5 km road section from Kurunegala to Galewela using funds from the Government of Sri Lanka,” he told reporters.
The approved section covers the distance from kilometer 78+000 to kilometer 116+500.
The procurement process will favor domestic construction entities to execute the multi-kilometer highway expansion.
“The proposal to implement the procurement process to enable the implementation of Phase 1 of the Central Expressway Project Phase 4 to be implemented through local contractors was approved by the Cabinet.”
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s decision to move ahead with the first phase of the Central Expressway’s fourth stage signals renewed momentum in the country’s infrastructure development programme. While the initial 38.5-kilometre section will be financed by the Sri Lankan government and built by local contractors, the broader expansion of transport networks is expected to generate significant business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors. Improved road connectivity will enhance access to emerging economic regions, lower logistics costs, and support growth in sectors including manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, logistics, and real estate. As infrastructure expands, demand is also likely to increase for international expertise in engineering, construction technology, smart transport systems, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, financing, and related professional services. The expressway project forms part of Sri Lanka’s wider development agenda aimed at strengthening economic competitiveness and attracting private investment. For foreign businesses/investors, the country’s long-term infrastructure pipeline presents opportunities not only in future public-private partnerships (PPPs) and ancillary developments but also in supplying equipment, technology, consultancy, and value-added services that support Sri Lanka’s economic transformation.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260709Z_1 |