A report by the National Audit Office has revealed several significant delays and financial issues in several major infrastructure projects.
According to Lankadeepa newspaper, construction of the Kurunegala-Dambulla section of the Central Expressway, estimated to cost Rs. 23.4 billion, has reportedly been abandoned.
Similarly, Rs. 102.5 billion allocated for the Colombo-Ratnapura-Pelmadulla Expressway and Rs. 1.34 billion for the elevated expressway from the New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya had been spent by 2023, despite no progress in construction.
The report also notes that delays in the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal project have resulted in compensation payments exceeding Rs. 720 million to 825 affected individuals.
Compensation payments are expected to continue until construction is completed, with an additional Rs. 200 million reportedly paid to 1,000 individuals the report said.
Although the Kandy project was scheduled to begin on May 6, 2021, delays in the procurement process have stalled civil construction work.
Meanwhile, a contractor involved in one phase of the Central Expressway project had not been paid Rs. 403 billion as of December 31, 2023. This could lead to penalty payments under the contract’s terms, the report said. (Newswire)