Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA) and Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have incurred estimated losses of approximately Rs. 75 billion and Rs. 20 billion respectively, following the recent islandwide disaster, officials told Parliament.
The disclosures were made during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, convened to assess the social, economic, and environmental impact of the disaster.
The session was chaired by Member of Parliament S.M. Marikkar.
Officials from the Ministry of Transport and Highways and Urban Development said 316 roads and 40 bridges under the RDA’s control were damaged.
While preliminary losses are estimated at Rs. 75 billion, full rehabilitation and restoration costs could reach Rs. 190 billion.
Marikkar noted that assessments of damage to railway lines and regional roads had not yet been completed and stressed the need for the ministry to lead efforts in securing funds for rehabilitation of the broader road network.
Officials said a Rs. 2 billion loan from the World Bank, along with funds from other institutions, is expected to support restoration efforts.
The CEB reported losses of about Rs. 20 billion and is in discussions with the World Bank for potential funding.
Marikkar urged officials to pursue grant funding rather than loans, warning that borrowing could result in higher electricity tariffs for consumers.
Meanwhile, the Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd. (LECO) reported a smaller loss of Rs. 252 million, which it said would be covered through existing budget allocations.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) reported damage to 156 water supply schemes, resulting in losses of roughly Rs. 5.6 billion.
All schemes have since been restored, and the ministry is seeking an Asian Development Bank grant for permanent rehabilitation.
Marikkar concluded by saying the Sectoral Oversight Committee is ready to assist relevant ministries in planning for future disasters.
Members of Parliament Nalin Bandara, Ajith P. Perera, and Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, along with senior officials, attended the meeting.
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