The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for a Rs. 1.09 billion project to rehabilitate and upgrade the street lighting system along the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway following extensive damage caused by vandalism and theft.

According to the Government, the lighting network on the expressway has suffered severe deterioration due to continuous acts of vandalism and the theft of copper cables and other electrical components. As a result, nearly 85 percent of the expressway’s lighting system is currently out of operation.The situation has raised concerns over road safety, particularly as the expressway serves as the main highway link between Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport.The proposal to restore the lighting system was submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development. Under the approved plan, the rehabilitation and upgrading work will be carried out in two separate packages.

The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 1,098.50 million. The Government stated that contractors for the project will be selected through a National Competitive Bidding process.