Probe into rail signal sabotage

COLOMBO: The Transport Ministry has drawn special attention to the damage caused to the railway signal system yesterday and on Monday at two points close to Colombo by some unidentified persons.

A Transport Ministry release said the damage caused to the system at the 10.5 mile post between Ratmalana and Angulana on Monday afternoon was rectified by the Railway Department, the same night.

The damage caused to he signal system near Kalupalama, Dematagoda, Orugodawatta on Monday was repaired by 8 a.m. yesterday.

As soon as the Transport Minister Dulles Allahapperuma heard of these two incidents he directed the Police and railway officials to take measures to prevent such acts of sabotage in future.

The Minister will also have discussions with IGP Victor Perera soon to draw up Police-Railway Security Service co-ordinated plan to protect railway property. He has also made arrangements to open a Police Post at the Ratmalana Railway Workshops next week.

Meanwhile Minister Alahapperuma has also thanked all railway officials who helped to repair the damage caused to cables and bring rail service back to normal in a short time.