Development work on Ratmalana Airport Road Chief engineer assures of no flooding

With the arrival of tourists in the country the Highways Ministry has expedited the development of all access roads to the airports 
(Pics by Samantha Perera)

• Area residents have raised concerns on the possibility of flooding as they claim that the drains have been taken out and replaced with concrete

 With more tourists now arriving in the country, Highways Minister Johnston Fernando has expedited the development of all access roads to the airports. As the first phase, development work along Ratmalana Airport access Road has commenced. 

Addressing the media recently the Minister said that Rs. 99.3 million will be spent to develop the 1.6 km road leading to the Ratmalana Airport. Another Rs. 20.4 million will be spent for the construction of sidewalks and Rs. 24.8 million for the installation of street lights on either side of the road.

There were no drains along this path and we will put news drains following a hydrology study. Therefore the public need not worry about flooding during the rainy season

- W. A. H Chathuranga Road Development Authority’s (RDA) Chief Engineer 

Minister Fernando further said that the project will be completed in 20 days for the benefit of the domestic and foreign passengers arriving at the Ratmalana Airport on domestic flights and Air Force personnel utilising the route. 

Minister Fernando further said that the project will be completed in 20 days for the benefit of the domestic and foreign passengers arriving at the Ratmalana Airport on domestic flights and Air Force personnel utilising the route

However, area residents have raised concerns on the possibility of flooding as they claim that the drains have been taken out and replaced with concrete. Responding to a query on the above matter, W. A. H Chathuranga, Road Development Authority’s (RDA) Chief Engineer for Western Province said that new drains will be constructed. “It’s an immediate project as we are targetting the Airport opening. There were no drains along this path and we will put news drains following a hydrology study. Therefore the public need not worry about flooding during the rainy season. Right now we are adding concrete on the sidewalks.” said Chathuranga. 

He further said that members of the public who have queries could contact the RDA hot-line and submit concerns.

Work in progress

Constructing sidewalks