Southern support to build Jaffna railway

Irangika RANGE

People living in Hambantota have pledged to extend support to rebuild the railway line and railway station in Jaffna on a special request by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma told the Daily News.

Meanwhile, people living in Matara have also come forward to offer their support to reconstruct the railway line and railway station in Killinochchi. He said that the Government has taken steps to reconstruct the Northern railway line and its stations destroyed by LTTE terrorists. "We will reconstruct the Northern line and all stations by obtaining manpower, wealth and time of Sri Lankans from North to South," he said.

A special Secretariat will be set up to co-ordinate and streamline the project. The project is due to commence officially on March 19 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Northern railway line and its railway stations will be reconstructed with the assistance of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim brothers and sisters living in the North, South and upcountry. "They will dedicate their manpower, wealth, and time to recommence the service of the Yaldevi train which has been interrupted for many decades.

It is expected to commence the Yaldevi train service shortly with the implementation of this project. This move would symbolize the unity and co-existance of Sri Lankans.

The Minister thanked the Co-ordinating Committee and leaders of all political parties in the Matara District for the support and approval given by them to initiate this project.