President keen to extend southern railway to H’tota upon completion of Matara-Beliatta extension

By P. D. De Silva

President Maithripala Siririsena is keen on extending the southern railway line up to Hambantota once phase one of the extension project from Matara to Beliatta is completed, according to State Minister for Public Enterprise Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.

The Minister made this disclosure at a ceremony held to lay the first railway tracks beyond Matara.

 “The President has requested that at least the Matara-Kekanadura stage be operational within the next few months. For a country to develop, the infrastructure in the country needs to be developed. The southern railway extension will be of immense benefit to the public as well as tourists. I wish to convey the gratitude of the President and the Sri Lankan Government to the Government of China for financing the southern railway extension,” he said. Chairman Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau Eng. G. D. A. Piyathilake and Vice President  China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation Zhao Jun addressed the gathering which comprised representatives of the Chinese Government, representatives of the Chinese companies associated with the project and staff engaged in the project.