• Inde. experts’ team to be appointed to supplement 2 ongoing probes
• DG denies loss as RDA yet to take over from contractor 

The Road Development Authority (RDA) is to appoint a separate investigation team of independent experts to probe into the collapse of a concrete beam on the Kadawatha to Mirigama section of the Central Expressway, while taking measures to check the quality of the overall construction.

A section of the Central Expressway, which had been partially constructed, collapsed last week. The collapsed beam, measuring about 35 metres, has raised concerns over similar constructions along the route, with two more beams reportedly in precarious conditions.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (9), RDA Director General (DG) Priyantha Sooriyabandara said that the proposed investigation team of independent experts is to be appointed in addition to the two investigations that have already been launched by the RDA. Sooriyabandara noted that this decision was taken in view of the insufficiency of the adequate findings from the initial investigations. He also stated that the RDA has directed investigation teams to check the quality of the overall construction as well. 

However, when questioned as to whether any action would be taken against the contractor, he stated that it is still premature to initiate actions against them in a context where the investigations are yet to be concluded. He said that the decision in this regard would be taken after studying the expected reports of the ongoing probes. Sooriyabandara particularly noted that the Government has not incurred any loss due to this incident, as claimed by certain parties since the RDA is yet to take over the Expressway from the contractor. But, he said that it has no impact on the Government’s authority to make interventions into the matter.

While a report is awaited, it was reported that Scene of Crime officers from the Police have visited the site to investigate. Though sabotage has been suspected, specific causes remain undisclosed.