News
Projects that reached fruition this year
Several major development projects were completed and declared open this year while some government initiated programmes saw further expansion. The most significant development project was the opening of the sluice gates of the Moragahakanda Reservoir on November 30 by President Maithripala Sirisena. Launched in 2016, the project is the largest multipurpose development project in the country. Built under the combined Moragahakanda-Kaluganga Irrigation Development Project, the reservoir spans 29.5 square kilometres and is geared to irrigating 81,422 hectares in the dry zone.
Moragahakanda reservoir
Yet another development landmark was the newly renovated Iranamadu Tank. It was declared open by President Sirisena on December 7. The tank’s reconstruction work began in 2016, in parallel with the construction of the Moragahakanda Reservoir. The tank’s capacity has been increased from 131 million cubic metres to 148 million cubic metres.
This year also saw the expansion of the 1990 ‘Suwaseriya’ Emergency Ambulance Service island-wide. The service, launched under a grant from the Indian Government in 2016, initially covered the Western and Southern Provinces, but expanded to the Northern, Uva, North-Central, North-Western and Central provinces this year.
Another significant move was the Government’s decision to reduce the prices of more essential drugs this year. Accordingly, the prices of 10 expensive drugs were reduced while the prices of 15 more essential drugs were also slashed.
The Rajagiriya flyover, aimed at reducing traffic congestion along the Sri Jayawardenepura Mawatha and Rajagiriya junction; one of the main entry points into Colombo, was declared open on January 8.
Meanwhile, major accelerated development projects; ‘Gamperaliya,’ ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka,’ and ‘Grama Shakthi’ were also launched this year.
The projects’ objectives are alleviating poverty, supporting livelihoods, strengthening infrastructure and accelerating economic growth.
Among the other projects that are under construction are the Central Expressway, the Southern Expressway’s extension at both ends and an elevated highway in Colombo.