Sri Lanka, Sept. 8 -- Construction on the long-awaited first section of the Central Expressway (E04), from Kadawatha to Mirigama, is set to resume by September or October with the return of Chinese funding, marking a significant step forward for the nation's infrastructure development after years of costly delays.

The confirmation came from Duminda Hulangamuwa, a Senior Economic Adviser to the President, during his keynote address at the 171st Annual General Meeting of the Planters' Association.

Hulangamuwa announced that the government has finalized financial assistance from China to launch the crucial 37-km stretch.

"We have once again gone back to China for financial assistance... if everything goes well, the first phase... should s...