China-Aid project to rebuild nine bridges in Sri Lanka begins

The groundbreaking ceremony for the China-Aid Emergency Post-Disaster Reconstruction Project in Sri Lanka was held on November 1 in the Gampaha District, marking the start of a major initiative to rebuild nine bridges damaged by recent disasters.

The first bridge under the project was officially launched at a ceremony attended by Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake, and Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando.

Under the China-Aid project, all nine bridges are expected to be reconstructed within 18 months, with emphasis on high construction standards and safety.

The project is aimed at restoring vital transport infrastructure, reconnecting communities and supporting the resilience of economic activities affected by the disasters.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chinese side highlighted the importance of roads and bridges to Sri Lanka and described the reconstruction programme as a further reflection of the longstanding friendship between China and Sri Lanka.

The initiative is also expected to further strengthen the two countries’ Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the spirit of the Rice and Rubber Pact.