President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to award contracts to construct expressways only to Sri Lankan contractors in a bid to strengthen the local construction industry, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said.
Speaking at an SLPP election rally at Ruwanwella in Kegalle, the Prime Minister said the government would continue with the constructions of express-ways.
“Steps have already been taken to go ahead with the Kandy, Dambulla and Ratnapura expressways. The construction of these expressways will not be awarded to foreign companies. The President has decided to award construction to Sri Lankan companies and Sri Lankan contractors. It is better to strengthen our businesses, contractors and construction industry than giving our funds to foreign countries," Mr. Rajapaksa said.
He said expressways, agriculture and industries needed to be enhanced in order to develop the country. “To do this, we need to develop our infrastructure including roads, water supply, electricity and other facilities. We made an airport in Mattala and a port at Hambantota which have been leased out now. Leasing out the port for 99 years, not once but twice, is almost similar to selling it outright," he said.
(Daily Mirror)