Nov 07, Colombo: Deputy Highways Minister of Sri Lanka Nirmala Kothalawela says that nearly 45 percent of the 28 kilometer outer circular highway being constructed outside the Colombo city is completed.

Kothalawela has said that the four lane highway is due to be opened in 2014.

The outer circular highway will start from Kerawalapitiya along the Colombo - Katunayake Expressway to link Southern Expressway crossing A-4 highway at Kottawa and the main A-1 Colombo-Kandy highway at Kadawatha.

The Japanese government has granted US$ 630 million to complete the stretch of road from Kottawa to Kaduwela and Kadawatha.

Construction work on the next stage of the highway is to commence by the end of the year.

According to Kothalawela, once the outer circular highway was completed, commuters would gain easy and quick access to the Southern Expressway and the Colombo-Katunayake highway.

The highway is expected to provide a circular beltway to bypass the city of Colombo and reduce traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, the Southern Expressway is to be opened on 27th of this month.