Central Expressway: Kadawatha-Meerigama Loan disbursement from Chinese EXIM Bank to be discussed

By Kelum Bandara   

Disbursement of money from China’s EXIM Bank for the construction of the Meerigama- Kadawatha stretch of the central expressway is to be discussed among others when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake undertakes his state visit to China beteeen January 13 and 17, an informed source said.  

It is a loan project stalled due to the economic crisis. Following debt restructuring, the government is now planning to complete the project. However, EXIM bank is yet to disburse money after debt restructuring. A government source said it will be discussed when the President visits China as his second official visit.

The expressway is in four stages. The Meerigama- Kurunegala stretch is already in operation. The work on the Kurunegala- Kandy stretch has also commenced now. The fourth stage ,once constructed, will link Kurunegala with Dambulla.  During the visit, he will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang.