In news reports in the media including the electronic media in recent times, prominence has been given to the improvement and construction of major highways. We, as the general public, are very glad that such action will be taken for the improvement of the country's network of roads and hope that such programmes will be implemented expeditiously.

However, we are very perturbed and disappointed that no mention has been made on action being taken for the construction and extension of Duplication Road (R. A. De. Mel Mawatha) and Marine Drive in Colombo.

During the last 35 years or more, construction of Duplication Road has taken place at a very slow pace - only up to Bambalapitiya from Fort, a distance of less than 10km. All successive governments have to be blamed for this lapse. If Duplication Road is expeditiously built (along with Marine Drive) and extended up to Maliban Junction, Ratmalana at least, there is no doubt this will definitely ease the traffic congestion on Galle Road, and further, the present diversion of traffic on Galle Road which is very confusing, will not be necessary.

The city of Colombo is the hub of business activities and of Government institutions in the country. The majority of the people who travel daily to the city of Colombo reside in the suburbs of Colombo city, and any delay in reaching their places of work due to traffic congestion, is a loss of production time.

It is also relevant to mention if these roadways are properly constructed then the Galle-Colombo Road from Ratmalana to Colombo could be made one way towards Fort, and Duplication Road one way from Fort towards Ratmalana. This will definitely promote the smooth flow of traffic either way. It is also pertinent to mention that all lanes between Galle Road and Duplication Road and also between Galle Road and Marine Drive, should be widened as far as possible for the parking of vehicles and these lanes also should be made one way for traffic either way, alternatively. Parking of vehicles either on Galle Road or Duplication Road should be banned or prohibited at all times of the day.

If this course of action is taken, it will definitely prove to be a boon to the motorists and commuters.

No doubt this may be a Herculean task -- Duplication Road especially – since a number of valuable houses and buildings may have to be demolished. However, in the common interest of the county as a whole, a section of the population may have to be deprived of their valuable properties; but nevertheless if the owners of these properties are properly and adequately compensated, not at government rates but at market prices, major difficulties could be overcome.