China has agreed to provide the funds for the third phase of the Southern Expressway.

An agreement for a Chinese loan was signed in Colombo between Sri Lanka Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundere and Chairman of China Import Export Bank Chairman Li Ruogu for the construction of the stretch from Mattala to Hambantota under the third phase of the Southern Expressway.

This stretch of the expressway would be via Andarawewa.

The first phase of the Southern Expressway was from Kottawa to Pinnaduwa in Galle and the second phase was from Pinnaduwa to Godagama in Matara and declared open last March.

The third phase would be from Godagama in Matara to the Mattala International Airport.

The Southern Expressway is connected to the outer circular interchange in Kottawa, the outer circular interchange is to be linked to the Katunayake Expressway at Kerawalapitiya.