Sri Lanka secures $90m ADB loan to boost rural road connectivity

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has successfully concluded discussions with the Asian Development Bank to obtain a $90 million loan for the Second Integrated Road Investment Programme (iRoad 2), the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said on Friday.

The ministry said the loan will support the upgrading of about 500 km of rural access roads to all‑weather, climate‑resilient standards that are inclusive and accessible to older people, women, children and people with disabilities.

In addition, the programme will facilitate the rehabilitation of around 21 km of national roads and the maintenance of 100 km of rural access roads, the ministry said.

Under the broader Integrated Road Investment Programme, Sri Lanka plans to upgrade and maintain approximately 2,200 km of rural access roads to all‑weather standards, and to rehabilitate and maintain about 400 km of national roads in good condition.

By RSS/Xinhua