World Highways report that major plans to upgrade Sri Lanka’s transportation network are being developed. The plans call for upgrades to roads, rail and port facilities right across the country, in a bid to boost the economy. Assistance in preparing the improvement plans for roads, rail links and port facilities is being provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The focus will be on improving transport links both between and within the country’s major towns and cities. One of the priority projects so far identified is for a new road link between Colombo’s port and the country’s highway network. 

Port facilities in capital Colombo as well as Galle, Hambantota, Kankasanthurai, Oluvil, and Trincomalee will be upgraded. The transport studies are commencing shortly and should take until 2022 to be complete. 

The funding sources for the transport upgrades have yet to be determined but PPP projects seem a likely option for much of the work required.