Rs. 190 billion needed to rebuild roads and bridges damaged by disasters

18-Dec-2025

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Government officials informed the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure Facilities and Strategic Development that disasters have caused losses of Rs. 75 billion to the Road Development Authority, Rs. 20 billion to the Ceylon Electricity Board, and Rs. 5.6 billion to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. Losses incurred by the Railway Department have not yet been assessed.

Officials further stated that approximately Rs. 190 billion will be required to fully restore damaged roads and bridges, along with other necessary reconstruction work.

These matters were revealed during a recent meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure Facilities and Strategic Development held in Parliament under the chairmanship of MP S. M. Marikkar, convened to study the nature of the disaster and discuss measures to assess its social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Officials from the Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development stated that 316 roads and 40 bridges under the Road Development Authority were damaged. However, the Committee Chair noted that damage to railway lines and local roads nationwide has not yet been assessed.

The Chair emphasized the importance of preparing a program under the leadership of the ministry to secure funding for the restoration of local roads. Accordingly, it was stated that Rs. 2 billion is expected to be obtained as a loan from the World Bank, with additional funding expected from other institutions.

Officials also stated that the Ceylon Electricity Board incurred losses of approximately Rs. 20 billion due to the disaster and that discussions are underway with the World Bank regarding a loan. The Committee Chair instructed officials to attempt to obtain this amount as a grant instead of a loan, emphasizing that a loan could lead to an increase in electricity tariffs for consumers.

Officials of Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited stated that the company incurred losses of approximately Rs. 252 million due to the disaster. As these repair costs can be recovered through budgetary allocations, no additional loan or grant is required.

Meanwhile, officials of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board stated that losses of approximately Rs. 5.6 billion were incurred, with 156 water supply schemes damaged. The Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply stated that all damaged schemes have now been repaired and restored. He also noted that steps are being taken to obtain grant funding from the Asian Development Bank for reconstruction work.

The Committee Chair emphasized the importance of preparing plans to address future disasters and stated that the Sectoral Oversight Committee is ready to provide necessary support to relevant ministries and officials.