Sri Lanka - Southern Expressway vested in the public - 27-11-2011

Southern Expressway vested in the public.

Posted on 27 November 2011.

The dream entertained by the nation for several decades to witness revolution in road development has been realized.

The President inaugurated the Southern Expressway bestowing an expressway to the nation.
The auspicious time dawned this morning transforming the entire network of roads. The shrub jungles from the Western Province to the Southern Province were cleared to pave the path for massive development following the elimination of terrorism. The 'Gateway to Wonder' is complete with overhead bridges and carpeted roads. The first phase of the project was completed from Kottawa to Pinnaduwa in Galle at the expenditure of 70 billion rupees. President Mahinda Rajapaksa unveiled a plaque at the 'gateway to wonder' in Galle. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Ministers and Parliamentarians led by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and special representative from Japan Yasushi Akashi were amongst a large number of guests. The President inaugurated the Pinnaduwa access road and the ticket counter. The Expressway was inaugurated amidst the chanting of Seth Pirith while priests belonging to all religions were in attendance. The people who gathered beside the road released balloons and expressed their joy when the President arrived on the road. A number of people's representatives including Deputy Minister Nirmala Kotalawala were present at the occasion. The President who was then greeted by the Japanese representatives led by Special representative Yasushi Akashi, thereafter arrived in Welipenna from Pinnaduwa. A plaque was unveiled at the main service station in Welipenna amidst the beat of thousand drums. Minister Kumara Welgama and Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena were present at the occasion. School children recited Jayamangala Gatha. The song composed for the occasion was also sung. The President came to Dodangoda driving his vehicle while First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and his two sons Namal Rajapaksa and Yoshitha Rajapaksa accompanied him. The President was the first motorist to pay a toll at Dodangoda. The people who had gathered beside the road cheered and waved national flags. The President who arrived in Karandeniya grounds to participate in the massive rally was warmly welcomed. The welcome speech was delivered by Minister Gunaratne weerakoon. The President addressed the gathering after all religious observances. He said that today is an important day in the annals of Sri Lankan history. He stressed that a pledge made to create a new Sri Lanka has been fulfilled by bestowing a new resource to the nation.
The President stated that the youths of this country will hereafter be able to compare this country favourably with other developed countries. He said that the industries confined to Colombo will spread to other areas with the inauguration of the expressway. The investors will start arriving in Godagama from Kottawa and the youths in those areas will be benefited. He said that the youths should think afresh to derive the benefits from the projects. The President also pledged that the Colombo- Katunayake expressway will also be opened in 2013.
Meanwhile the people extended a warm welcome to the President when he arrived at the Kottawa access road of the 'gateway to wonder'. Following the inauguration of the Southern Expressway President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Kottawa access road. Ministers and Parliamentarians were present to welcome him. The crowds cheered and expressed their jubilation. Several school bands performed while school children presented cultural events. The President exchanged pleasantries with the people present. The event marked another juncture in the journey towards becoming the Wonder of Asia.

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