Wednesday May 06, 2026
Wednesday May 06, 2026
Wednesday, 6 May 2026 02:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the acquisition of land required for the long-delayed modernisation of the Kelani Valley (KV) railway line from Maradana to Avissawella, marking a key step in reviving one of the country’s oldest commuter rail corridors.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the project is currently in the preliminary stage of land identification and acquisition, with dedicated funding already allocated to expedite the process.
He noted that the development will involve land acquisition across seven Divisional Secretariat Divisions, including Colombo, Thimbirigasyaya, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Maharagama, Homagama, Padukka and Seethawaka.
“At present, this is in the stage of identifying and acquiring lands, but funds have been allocated for that purpose, and those activities have been expedited,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
The project aims to modernise the narrow-gauge railway corridor, which has long been affected by speed restrictions, ageing infrastructure and capacity constraints, limiting its efficiency as a major commuter route.
The Government has already granted in-principle approval for the broader redevelopment, including the resettlement of families currently occupying railway reserve lands. Financial provisions have been earmarked to compensate and relocate affected households as part of the expansion process.
