• Top officials have requested the minister to conduct a separate investigation into the charges of deliberate sabotage intended to delay some road and highways construction work by some contractors connected to the opposition

By Yohan Perera  

A group of top officials have urged Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando to probe the charges of corrupt deals with regard to the Central Express way and other projects that allegedly took place during the era of the Yahapalana government.   

During a meeting held at the Ministry of Highways the officials requested the minister to conduct a formal investigation into alleged deals during the former government. They also requested the minister to conduct a separate investigation into the charges of deliberate sabotage intended to delay some road and highways construction work by some contractors connected to the opposition political parties during the recent times, ministry sources said.  

Sources said that the officials pointed out to the minister that serious delays had been reported from construction sites of companies which had been awarded contracts by the former government for work on the first phase of the Central Expressway from Kadawatha to Meerigama and also the second phase from Meerigama to Pothuhera.  
The Minister instructed officials to resume work at some of the places that had been suspended citing various reasons. There had been several projects that had been abruptly suspended with the end of the Yahapalana regime, the officials told the minister.  

Minister Fernando asked for details and reports on the progress of the sites in question.  

The Minister said that the work should be completed on time and all officials should work to realize the objectives that have been set by the Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour Programme. Officials have been emphasized by the minister to prioritize their services to people over their political sentiments and allegiances, ministry sources said. 

• Serious delays had been reported from construction sites of companies which had been awarded contracts by the former government for work on the first phase of the Central Expressway from Kadawatha to Meerigama and also the second phase from Meerigama to Pothuhera