Colombo, March 28 -- The government's total dues for the company selected for the construction of the Kadawatha-Mirigama stretch of the central expressway have soared to US $ 189.513 million (Rs.56 billion) and further delay involves daily addition of Rs. 21 million to the outstanding amount, a minister said yesterday.

Deputy Transport Minister and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena told Daily Mirror that though the project is at a standstill, there are costs involved in various aspects including payment for the company's machinery lying idle.

He said the government should restart work on the project as early as possible to prevent further escalation of the cost.

"The more the project is delayed, the higher the amount we have to pay," he s...