Sri Lanka's first Expressway

27th of this month, it is scheduled to open the first expressway in Sri Lanka, i.e. Southern Expressway.

There were negative sentiments from anti-Rajapaksha segments at the construction phase of the road. When one overhead bridge collapsed, it was end of the project for anti-rajapaksha segments. But the Rajapaksha government had the courage to stand up when there is a failure, same leadership quality we have seen during the humanitarian battle against the LTTE. So far, they (the government) have successfully launched several development initiatives.
When president Jayawardhane launched accelerated Mahaweli development project there were more criticism. Actually, there were social and geological impact of the project, but president Jayawardana went ahead with huge success.
Same concerns also exists this expressway projects as well. We must minimize those concerns as much as possible. But, we must continue this kind of project in future as well.
What would happen when an expressway built?.
- Will build investors confidence dramatically.
- will build huge moral high for the Sri Lankan citizens those who so far worshipped Singapore's developments. That will build ‘we can do..’ mind set. During the war period the government has build similar mind set by launching ‘Api wenuwen Api’ program.
- Concentration on town centers would gradually lessen. It affects urban land prices as well.
- with the people blessings government will speed up other major development activities.
So.. this expressway would be a show-gate for the future...