May 14, Colombo: Rehabilitation and reconstruction of 10 major bridges in structurally weak condition were completed with Japanese assistance under the Major Bridges Construction Project of the National Road Network package 01.

The ceremonial event was held at the Polwathumodara Bridge in Matara on the 11 May 2018, under the patronage of Ministry of Highways & Road Development and Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka Kenichi Suganuma. Minister of Project Management, Youth Affairs & Southern Development Sagala Ratnayake, and dignitaries was also present at the occasion.

The Government of Japan provided 12,381 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs. 17.87 billion) through JICA under the aforementioned project with the objective of making the road network smoother and meeting with the increasing demand for road transportation in Sri Lanka.

The 10 bridges rehabilitated were at Polwathumodara (2 bridges), Goiyapana, Kathaluwa, Polwatta, Wellamadama, Koledanda, Kihimbi Ela, Deinipitiya and Denagama. These bridges were reconstructed using Japan's outstanding technology and methods, with minimum disturbance to road users and nearby communities.

The Japanese Government has helped reconstruction of many bridges in Sri Lanka, including the Mannar Bridge and Manmunai Bridge, and it is now financing the new bridge across the Kelani River at Peliyagoda, hoping that this assistance also will be helpful for smoother road network in the country and hence will improve economic growth and development of Sri Lanka.