Colombo, Nov 1 (PTI) Sri Lanka on Sunday launched the first phase of a Chinese-funded project to rehabilitate and reconstruct 14 bridges damaged by Cyclone Ditwah in 2025, the Ministry of Transport and Highways said.

     The Chinese grant for the project is worth Sri Lankan Rupees 3.93 billion (approx. USD 11.84 million), with the first phase formally launched at Yakkala in the Western Province, the ministry said.

     Under the first phase, nine bridges damaged by the cyclone will be rehabilitated, while five more will be taken up during the second phase.

     An implementation agreement for the project was signed in Colombo on September 28.

     China Construction Engineering Corporation will carry out the work, while consultancy services will be provided by China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC).

     The bridges are located in Colombo in the Western Province, Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province and Ampara in the Eastern Province.

     The project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
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