China grants Rs. 3,933 million for first phase of 14-bridge reconstruction after Ditwah disaster

The first phase of a special project to reconstruct 14 bridges damaged by the Ditwah disaster was officially launched today (01) near the Bemulla Bridge in Gampaha, with full grant assistance from the Government of China.

The Government of China has provided a full grant of Rs. 3,933 million (Chinese Yuan 79 million) for the first phase. Main construction work is scheduled to be completed within 18 months.

Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake, who attended the launch, stated that more than 400 locations in the country’s road network have been damaged due to the Ditwah disaster. He said restoring these damaged infrastructure facilities while ensuring safe transportation for the public remains a key responsibility of the Government.

The Ministry of Transport stated that the project will be implemented in two phases, with nine bridges reconstructed under the first phase and a further five under the second.

An agreement for implementation of the project was also signed today. The Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka, H.E. Wei Huaxiang, signed on behalf of the Chinese Government.

The Government also expressed its gratitude to the Government and people of China, as well as all friendly countries that extended their support to Sri Lanka from the outset of the disaster.