Japanese aid to build five bridges

by Mohammed NAALIR

The Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has granted Rs. 1.4 billion to construct five bridges in the Eastern Province in Sri Lanka.

The Cabinet has granted approval to the project proposal forwarded by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to construct the bridges on the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi road (A-O5), one on the Batticaloa-Tirikkondiadimadu-Trincomalee road (A015).

The Government is to contribute Rs.530 million for the project. The bridges, constructed during the colonial period are in poor condition due to the lack of proper maintenance during the conflict period in the Province.

The reconstruction of the bridges has been delayed due to the 2004 tsunami and the conflict in the region.