By Kelum Bandara 

The Election Commission has given the go-ahead for the inauguration of two stretches of the southern expressway and another stretch of the Colombo outer circular road yesterday after an assurance given by its engineers.  

The government will open Barawakumbuka to Mattala stretch, and Andarawewa to Hambantota stretch of the southern expressway today. Besides, the Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya stretch of outer circular highway will also be opened. Once that is opened, the airport expressway will get connected to the southern expressway.   

Earlier, the opposition complained to the Election Commission against these events on the basis that it would give political mileage to the government ahead of the presidential elections. However, Commission’s Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said his office approved the opening of these stretchers of the expressway and outer circular road after assurance given by engineers. “Our officials also examined it along with engineers. After that we gave approval,” he said.