He added that over 557,023 vehicles have taken the expressway during the above mentioned period.

However, the UNP had initially been extremely critical when the expressway was initially built by the previous government.

Criticisms

They added that the then government had spent Rs. 900 million per kilometre in the Southern Expressway while spending Rs. 1,800 million per kilometre in the Katunayake Expressway.

Even minister of Megapolis, Champika Ranawaka had stated that the expressway was used to sun-dry paddy and gingerly.

Chinese projects

However, these projects were initiated under loan programmes of Chinese Banks and project conditions demanded a Chinese workforce instead of Sri Lankan contractors and workers.

Also, instead of the Development Authority, the projects were given the green light by Cabinet approval.

Colombo-Kandy expressway

Meanwhile, the ministry of Highways has stated that the Colombo-Kandy expressway project would be kicked off in June.

Minister Lakshman Kiriella said that the project would be completed under three phases.

Extensions

It has also been agreed to commence the second phase of the Southern Expressway during Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's recent tour to China.