President Maithripala Siririsena is keen on extend the southern railway line up to Hambanthota once phase one of the project from Matara to Beliatta is complete, Public Enterprise Development State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.
He said the President has requested that at least the Matara - Kekanadura stage be operational within the next few months.
Speaking at the event held to lay the first railway tracks beyond Matara last morning he said for a country to develop, infrastructure 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 government to the government of China for financing the southern railway extension,” the minister said.
Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau Chairman G D A Piyathilake and Vice President China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation Zhao Jun addressed the gathering which comprised of representatives of the Chinese Government, representatives of the Chinese Companies Associated with the project and staff engaged in the project. the 26.75 kilometer stretch