Contractor not working in spite of Rs 16 bn payment

Central Expressway construction further delayed:

Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday (19) flayed the representatives of a foreign construction firm handling the Kadawatha-Mirigama stretch of the Central Expressway.

A Ministry spokesman told The Island that Minister Fernando had sought an explanation from the firm why the project was being delayed even though the incumbent government had paid Rs 16.67 bn amidst severe economic difficulties caused by corona epidemic.

Minister Fernando said that the project should be completed within three years as agreed. The government wouldn’t pay a cent more if the company deliberately delayed the project. Both the Minister and Highways Ministry Secretary R.W. R Pathmasiri strongly criticised the way the project was being handled.

The minister pointed out that the previous government had not at least paid an advance though the contract had been awarded. (SF)