Rural road revitalisation project launched from Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa district road development activities under the rural road revitalisation programme for 2024 was launched yesterday following religious observances to invoke blessings at the historic Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya to coincide with the birthday of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The President, as Finance Minister, allocated Rs. 10,000 million for the renovation of rural roads under the 2024 Budget. Under this, proposals have been obtained through the regional development committee chairmen of each district for the reconstruction of small-scale and medium-scale rural roads.

Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana inaugurates the rural revitalisation programme, in Polonnaruwa yesterday.

Accordingly, the development of the road from Alahera-Diyabeduma paddy mill to Yaya 34 village in Polonnaruwa was launched. At the invitation of the State Minister of Highways, Siripala Gamlath, Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana launched the project. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 49.9 million.

The development works of the entrance road of Polonnaruwa Dimbulagala Pimburatthewa historical Silumina Seya Temple were also started under the patronage of Minister Dr. Gunawardhana.

It is special that the Minister took steps to start this project in a short period of time according to a special request made by the Chief Incumbent Ven. Amparae Kusala Nayaka Thera. This will be done at a cost of Rs.29.5 million. Dimbulagala – Kekuluwela – Kosgahamula to Maldeniya main road which is to be carpeted was also launched under the patronage of Minister Dr. Gunawardhana. The cost of the project is Rs.46.5 million.

For the development of carpeting the road from Welikanda Nava Senapura intersection to Thivuchena, Rs. 74.1 million will be spent. An amount of Rs. 36.8 million has been estimated for the development of Madirigiriya Viharagama to Paluvadana road.

Development of carpeting from Polonnaruwa Higurakgoda Palu Lake to Yudganava Ganadevi statue at a cost of Rs. 73.5 million was also started.

Thus, 10.30 kilometres of roads will be developed under the rural road revitalization program in Polonnaruwa district and the total amount spent for it is Rs. 310 million.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Dr. Gunawardhana emphasised the collective responsibility of the government to address societal needs. “Since independence, no government in this country has received enough tax revenue to cover its expenses. Consequently, the government has had to rely on loans. The inability to repay these loans has led to the suspension of further loan assistance by countries and international organisations, resulting in stalled development activities.

“Despite efforts made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to secure agreements with neighbouring countries and international organisations, final agreements have not been signed. To address this situation, representatives from the IMF recently concluded negotiations in Sri Lanka, emphasising the country’s precarious financial situation. Therefore, it is imperative not to jeopardize the country’s stability at this critical juncture. “Regardless of political affiliations, it is essential to prioritize the development of all provinces in the country. Understanding the limitations of government resources, it is crucial to work towards progress incrementally, rather than relying on unrealistic promises or miracle solutions.”

State Minister of Highways Siripala Gamlath, State Minister for Rural Road Development Shivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, Member of Parliament Jagath Samarawickrama, Polonnaruwa District Secretary Sujantha Ekanayake, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Roads Bandula Ranaweera, Director General of Road Development Authority Priyantha Suriyabandara, Road Development Authority Chairman Chaminda Athaluwage, heads of government agencies including the Ministry of Highways, Development Authority, Divisional Secretaries, government officials, and public representatives were present for this event.

Religious observations held at the Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya temple presided over by Buddhist monks led by Kandaketiya Attadassa Nayaka Thera of Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya.

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