The Republic of South Korea will provide Rs.6000 million to construct the first dual cycling track from Kurunegala Padeniya to Anuradhapura. The feasibility study has been completed and the Highways Ministry expects to begin the construction work shortly, the Highways and Road Development Ministry said.

Highways and Road Development Minister T.B.Ekanayaka told The Island Financial Review that following the liberation of the North,that one of the government’s principal objectives would be to develop the North-Central Province developing the Anuradhapura town and its vicinity. A city development plan had been drawn and the Anuradhapura town would be a centre of transaction, business and exchange of commodities.

He said that constructing safer and convenient road network was necessary to develop a commercial hub replete with required infrastructure and modern conveniences. The development of road network adjunct to the Anuradhapura town was essential and it was a welcome gesture of the South Korean government to provide a large sum of money to construct the dual cycling track.

Minister Ekanayaka added that according to the Construction Plan, the Padeniya – Anuradhapura road which was 81 km long would be widened 15 meters and dual cycling track 5 feet in width would be constructed. The priority of the Highways Ministry would be to widen the road for safer travel, paying special attention to the bends.

He said that those who would lose lands and houses for the construction work would be paid due compensation in accordance with the government Valuation department recommendations. The Valuation Department had been instructed to value the lands and houses on par with the latest land and house prices.