China’s Hand in Sri Lanka’s Highway to Recovery

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka today (17) officially resumed construction on the long-stalled Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway—under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake .

The 37-kilometer stretch, dormant for over three years, is now back on track with a massive investment of Rs. 229.532 billion, funded through a mix of concessional financing from China’s Exim Bank and domestic capital allocations. 

The Kadawatha interchange, a key node in the expressway network, is being built entirely with local funds at a cost of Rs. 8.692 billion.

But beyond the concrete and asphalt, this project is being hailed as a diplomatic milestone.

Speaking at the launch, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong delivered a message that went far beyond infrastructure:

“This is more than a road. It’s a symbol of the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka,” he said, calling the expressway a “landmark of national rejuvenation” and a “top priority” for the new Sri Lankan government.

Ambassador Qi praised the resilience of both nations in overcoming past delays and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development journey.

Preliminary work—including land preparation and restoration of previously built sections—has already been completed using Rs. 7.5 billion in domestic funds.

As bulldozers roll and cranes rise once again, the Central Expressway is not just a road project—it’s a high-speed lane in the evolving Sri Lanka–China partnership.