The Ministry of Transport says steps are being taken to renovate the Colombo Fort Railway Station with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

According to the ministry, under this initiative, the station is set to be developed into a modern facility equipped with upgraded amenities.

An estimated budget of Rs. 1,395 million has been allocated for the project, which is expected to be completed within a 15-month timeframe. 

The ministry added that tenders have already been called, and development work is scheduled to commence by the end of this year. (Newswire)

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Minister Bimal Rathnayake says the government will launch large-scale development projects starting this September.

The minister noted that the first phase will commence in Jaffna under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He further said that, on 02nd September, development activities will begin in the Northern Province, focusing on the new “Coconut Triangle” centred around the Mullaitivu region in Vanni.

“Starting from the first of September, the government will implement major development projects specifically aimed at benefiting the people this year. This includes the launch of an international sports complex in Mandaitivu, Jaffna,” he said. 

Minister Bimal Rathnayake also revealed that the development project includes resolving the longstanding issue faced by Jaffna residents in obtaining passports at the Kachcheri.

The minister said that the service will now be made available through an online system. 

“We hope to initiate a national-level development drive through these efforts,” he added. (Newswire)

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The success of the government’s debt restructuring program will enable the Ministry of Transport and Highways to restart many projects that were halted during the last crisis, Secretary to the Ministry Eng. Ranjith Ganganath Rubasinghe said. 

Addressing a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre on Monday (July 08), several officials from the public transportation sector gave details on the projects to be implemented in the near future. 

• Public Transport: 

Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways Eng. Ranjith Ganganath Rubasinghe announced that an electronic ticketing system for public transport services, including trains, will be introduced by the end of this year.

He further said the highway toll payment system will also be electronic within a few months.

Preliminary discussions have been held with the Government of Japan regarding investment updates for the Light Railway Project (LRT). 

Simultaneously, negotiations are ongoing with the governments of China, India, and Japan for several new projects.

As a result, plans have been implemented to grow the transport and highway sector by 10%-15% over the next five years.

• Highway projects: 

Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways Eng. Ranjith Ganganath Rubasinghe said despite the economic crisis the country has faced, the government has allocated Rs.90 billion over the past two years solely for road development projects initiated before 2022. Of this amount, Rs.300 billion has been spent on contractors, and Rs.90 billion has been used for debt payments.

It is important to note that the success of the government’s debt restructuring program has been particularly satisfactory for the Ministry of Highways. This success will enable the restart of many projects halted during the last crisis. 

Especially, discussions have already begun for the early commencement of Phase 1 of the Central Expressway. Additionally, Phases 2 and 3 of the Central Expressway and the Ruwanpura Expressway project are expected to begin soon, with bilateral discussions underway regarding the completion of the elevated highways project in Athurugiriya, through financial investments. Public-private partnership investments are anticipated for these projects.

• Flyover constructions : 

Director General of the Road Development Authority (RDA), S.P.M. Suriya Bandara said the construction of the second phase of the flyover over the railway line connecting Kompannavidiya, Justice Akbar Mawatha, and Uttarananda Mawatha will be completed and handed over to the public next week. 

Additionally, the Kohuwala flyover is scheduled to be opened to the public next week. The work on the harbour entrance runway is also expected to be completed in the first half of September.

Thousands of projects are being implemented across the country under the Road Development Authority. Among these, 320 km of rural roads have been completed under the 1,000 km of rural roads project, which began last February, with the remaining roads set to be completed in August.

• Railway development : 

General Manager (Acting), Railways, Sanjaya Mudalige states the modernization of the Mahawa-Omanthai railway line will be completed in August, and the freight train service from Beliatta to Colombo will commence on the 15. This service will be available to farmers, businessmen, and others transporting goods to Colombo.

Plans are also underway to develop railway stations along the coastal line as multipurpose projects in collaboration with the private sector. Six railway stations, including Kollupitiya and Bambalapitiya, are currently being developed accordingly.

To meet the demand for train engines, the Government of India has agreed to donate 20 train engines, with the first batch expected to arrive within two months.

• National Transport Commission : 

National Transport Commission Chairman, Shashi Welgama says under the National Transport Commission Act, we can currently regulate only buses. However, the Act has been amended to include the regulation of three-wheelers, school and office transport services, taxis, and more. 

The NTC is also preparing and implementing schedules for inter-provincial buses. 

The public can contact the customer care unit at 0712555555 and 1955 for assistance. This service allows passengers to file complaints and obtain information related to passenger transportation services. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has outlined development measures taken by his government targeting several areas of Sri Lanka, including Monaragala, Ampara, and Hambantota. 

To foster the development of the Monaragala district, the President said the government advocated for the provision of free land rights, despite opposition and legal challenges. 

“Today, we have successfully granted these rights to the people. However, securing land rights alone is insufficient. It is crucial for everyone to participate in the government’s agricultural modernization program,” he said. 

According to President Wickremesinghe, by rapidly advancing agriculture in these areas, they aim to transition towards an export-oriented economy as essential infrastructure, including ports and airports, are already in place in these areas.

The President further said the government’s vision is to transform Udawalawa, Monaragala, Ampara, and the Mahaweli C Zone into a major agricultural hub within the dry zone.

“Through the “Urumaya” program, we not only provide land rights to farmers but also equip them with tools to increase their incomes. 

“Looking ahead, the global demand for food is expected to grow significantly in the next 30 to 40 years. It is imperative that we prepare to meet this challenge by establishing a comprehensive agricultural framework in these provinces,” he said.

President Wickremesinghe went on to note that additionally, the government has strategized to establish large investment zones in the Hambantota and Monaragala districts, while efforts are also underway to enhance the tourism and fishing industries, spanning from Galle to Ampara. 

He said these initiatives are slated for implementation over the next 20-30 years, ensuring a legacy for future generations. 

“The development program has significantly boosted Wellawaya, serving as a pivotal access point to the upcountry and this progress extends through Passara via Ella and Bibila,” the President added.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made the remarks while addressing the symbolic ceremony for the distribution of freehold land deeds to the beneficiaries in 11 divisional secretariat divisions of Monaragala district under the “Urumaya” national program recently. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has outlined plans to develop Kandy into tourism and cultural zones centred around the various Buddhist monuments found in the area. 

Providing details on the proposed plans, the President said efforts are underway to develop the Gadaladenyia Vihara, Lankatilaka Vihara, and Embekka Devalaya into a tourism zone, with infrastructure development initiatives in progress. 

Stating that plans also include establishing a Buddhist cultural centre to attract a large number of tourists to the Kandy area, he said tourists visiting the historic Dalada Maligawa, Udawatta Kale, and Victoria Dam will often spend several days in the Kandy area.

The President further said that under the Greater Kandy Urban Development Plan, efforts are underway to transform the Bogambara Prison area into a hotel complex. 

Additionally, plans include relocating the city’s administrative functions to Kundasale and establishing a technology zone in Digana to foster advanced technological development.

President Wickremesinghe revealed that discussions have been initiated to complete the Colombo-Mirigama section of the Kandy-Colombo Expressway with assistance from China, and the Kurunegala-Kandy section with assistance from Japan. 

The President gave the details during his visit to the Asgiri Maha Viharaya in Kandy on Thursday (June 27). 

During the visit, the President received blessings from the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero, the Maha Nayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter. (Newswire)

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