According to the Ministry, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide US$ 800 million as loan assistance in six tranches for the implementation of the programme in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Central, North Western Provinces and the Kalutara District in the Western Province.

With most of the rural access roads currently in poor condition, improvements will result in time saving and a decrease in large vehicle operational costs

Under these projects, 40 road construction contracts will be awarded for the improvement of rural roads while four contracts would be given for the development of roads at national level.

Ministry have already granted nine road construction contracts and the work has already commenced in the Southern Province. Once Cabinet approval is granted, work will begin in the Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces as well.

The road improvement work in the North Western and North Central Provinces are expected to commence by October end.

The improvement of the rural road network will help link rural communities to socio-economic centers in Sri Lanka, thereby enabling rural communities to reap the fruits of economic growth.