The funds spent on the construction of expressways by the incumbent government are reasonable, says Highways, Ports & Shipping Ministry Secretary R.W.R. Pemasiri.

He stated this while addressing a forum organized by the Sri Lanka Engineering Professionals Association at the Cinnamon Lakeside in Colombo.

Around Rs. 113.6 billion was spent on the complete construction of the four-lane Southern Expressway up to Matara and this expressway is of a far higher standard than those in India, said Mr. Pemasiri.

He added that the estimated cost for the extension of the Southern Expressway from Matara to Hambantota would be around Rs. 239 billion and that it would be through a loan from EXIM Bank of China.

He also added that only around Rs. 41.2 billion was spent on the construction of the Katunayake Expressway.