The minister said so at the Ratnapura District Development Meeting held at the Sapthapadi Hall summoned by Ratnapura District Secretary Sunil Kannangara.

The minister said those who travel from Southern Expressway to Ratnapura had to use the route via Ingiriya but the proposed extension to the expressway would help them to reach Pelmadulla within an hour. The proposed expressway would be named Ruwanpura Expressway and the feasibility study was being finalized, the minister said adding, that the passengers could save time and increase efficiency by using the proposed extension to the expressway. The route of the Ruwanpura Expressway would be laid down from Kahatuduwa via Moragahahena, Handapangoda, Horana, Ingiriya, Kiriella, Ratnapura to Pelmadulla.

Director General of the Road Development Authority W.A.S.Weerasinghe, Project Director of the Northern Expressway V.E.L Weerakoon also addressed the meeting.

Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Ratnapura District MPs, Provincial Council Members, Secretary to the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Herath P Kularatne, Ratnapura District Additional Secretary Dayananda Kolombagama, District Planning Director W.P. Samanthilaka and large number of officials were present on the occasion.(HC)

Special Reporter