No more gravel roads – Basil Rajapaksa

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said with Sri Lanka opening its first Expressway today, the other roads too have been developed to such an extent that there were almost no gravel roads in the country.

Addressing a meeting in Wattala, Minister Rajapaksa pointed out that schoolchildren were now unable to describe a gravel road since there were none.

“That is because we have developed the entire road network. All roads, even roads in remote areas, have been carpeted under road development projects.

There will be more highways and expressways apart from the Southern Expressway. We have given priority to development,” Minister Rajapaksa said.

He added that roads, irrigation systems, telecommunications, ports and all sectors have seen massive development in the past few years under the Mahinda Chinthana since President Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office in 2005.

He noted that there is less than 8 percent inflation, 4.2 percent rate of unemployment and the foreign reserves too were at a very good position. The Budget 2012 has also contained many important measures which will boost the economy significantly.