The construction work on the extension of the Southern Expressway from Matara to Hambantota, which is funded by China, was inaugurated by President Maithripala Sirisena and the Chinese Ambassador this morning.

The expenditure for the construction of the 75-kilometer segment is estimated at Rs. 45 billion.

It will connect Matara- Godagama to Hambantota Harbor via Beliatta, Andarawewa, and Mattala.

The completed Southern Expressway will be connected to Colombo-Kandy Expressway and Colombo-Katunayake Airport Expressway via the Colombo Outer Circular Highway which is expected to reduce the traffic congestion in the Colombo city and provide faster access to outskirts.

The section of Southern Expressway from Pinnaduwa (Galle) to Godagama (Matara) was opened to public on 15th March 2014. The section from Kottawa to Pinnaduwa (Galle) was completed in November 2011 and is in operation at present.

Meanwhile, a part of the outer Colombo Highway from Kaduwela to Kadawatha is expected to be vested with the public by the President next week.