COLOMBO ; The Netherlands has extended a grant of €730,000 to support Sri Lanka’s rural bridge development initiative.
The funding will be used to meet the financial requirements of the project, which aims to enhance long-term development and connectivity in rural communities.
Under this initiative, Sri Lanka is constructing 162 rural bridges to improve access and quality of life in underserved areas.
As of September 2025, 96% of the project has been completed, with 151 bridges already built. The remaining bridges are expected to be completed by 2026.
The project is financed through a combination of grants and concessional loans:
75% of the total financing is provided as a loan from Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., amounting to €41.8 million.
The Investment International Bank has contributed €13.9 million (25%) as a grant.
Recognizing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, the Netherlands increased its contribution in 2024 by €5.3 million, bringing the total grant value to €18.9 million, which now covers 37% of the total project cost.
