Sri Lanka to build 881 rural bridges under four-year infrastructure programme

Construction of more than 100 rural bridges under the Government’s “Punarudaye Purawara” national programme will commence on Tuesday (14) as part of a four-year initiative to improve rural connectivity and transport infrastructure. The project, implemented by the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, forms part of a wider plan to develop 881 rural bridges identified by local authorities across the country. Funds for the programme were allocated under the 2026 Budget. The first phase, valued at Rs. 1,050 million, will see construction begin on more than 100 bridges in districts across the island. The main launch ceremonies will be held in Ridigama, Kurunegala, under the patronage of Minister Chandana Abeyratne, and in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, under Deputy Minister Ruwan Senarath. The ministry also announced that Rs. 2,500 million has been allocated this year to launch income-generating projects for local government institutions from August, with the aim of reducing their dependence on central government funding and strengthening their financial sustainability. Meanwhile, the Government plans to provide 700 items of machinery to local authorities to improve service delivery. As the first phase of the programme, 75 motor graders have already begun arriving in Sri Lanka and will be officially handed over to local authorities on July 22 under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. (Newswire)