RDA Suffers Rs. 75 Billion Loss Due to Disaster Damage; Rs. 190 Billion Needed for Rehabilitation
Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA) has incurred an estimated loss of Rs. 75 billion following widespread damage to roads and bridges caused by recent disaster conditions across the country, officials revealed before a parliamentary committee.
Officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways and Urban Development informed the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development that preliminary assessments show damage to 316 roads and 40 bridges under the RDA’s authority. They said approximately Rs. 190 billion would be required to fully rehabilitate the affected infrastructure.
The disclosures were made at a committee meeting held on December 11 at Parliament, chaired by MP S.M. Marikkar, which focused on reviewing the disaster’s social, economic and environmental impacts.
The committee chair noted that assessments of damage to railway lines and regional roads are yet to be completed and stressed the need for the ministry to take the lead in establishing a proper mechanism to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of regional road networks.
Officials also said plans are underway to secure a Rs. 2 billion loan from the World Bank, with additional funding expected from other institutions to support recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) reported losses of around Rs. 20 billion due to disaster-related damage. CEB officials said discussions are ongoing with the World Bank to obtain funding assistance. However, the committee chair urged the board to seek grant funding instead of loans, warning that borrowing could eventually lead to increased electricity tariffs.
The Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd. reported losses of approximately Rs. 252 million, stating that repair costs could be met through existing budgetary allocations without the need for additional external funding.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board estimated losses at around Rs. 5.6 billion, with damage reported to 156 water supply schemes. Officials said all affected schemes have since been restored following maintenance work. The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply added that efforts are underway to obtain grant assistance from the Asian Development Bank for rehabilitation work.
Emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness, the committee chair said the Sectoral Oversight Committee remains ready to support relevant ministries and institutions in strengthening resilience against future disasters.
The meeting was attended by MPs Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, Ajith P. Perera and Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, along with senior government officials.
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