Call for all to contribute for Uthuru Mithuru - Thekkin Tholan

Linking North with South:

Irangika RANGE

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma invited all Sri Lankans to contribute to the Uthuru Mithuru -Thekkin Tholan project in whatever capacity for the cause of linking the North with the South through the unifying voyage of Yal Devi.

Inaugurating the task of rebuilding the railway stations and launching the media campaign Uthuru Mithuru -Thekkin Tholan project in Colombo on Wednesday, the Minister said the palm groves of the North and the coconut groves of the South were linked due to the journey of Yal Devi.

But suddenly, its journey was obstructed breaking the connections of families and friends living in North and South due to terrorism suffered by the country for the past 30 years, he said.

After the complete liberation of the country by the Armed Forces, the Government was determined to resume the journey of Yal Devi train with its maximum capacity to reunite the nation.

"We have paved the way for the Yal Devi to travel upto Thandikulm which is beyond Vavuniya," he said. "To reach Kankesanturai, we must travel 154.89 km passing 27 railway stations. Therefore, we invite the public to help the rebuilding of this route through the Uthuru Mithuru -Thekkin Tholan project."

The Minister said the Government has been able to find sponsors to rebuild 27 railway stations along the Yal Devi Railway line.

He thanked those who have pledged to construct the railway stations. Among them, Hemantha Perera from Kelani Cables PLC- Vavuniya station, Railway Department-Thandikulam station, Social Services and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lionel Premasiri-Omanthai station, Highways and Road Development Minister T.B. Ekanayake- Puliyankulam station, North Central Province's Chief Minister Bertie Premalal Dissanayake-Mankulam station, Harsha Seram from the International Construction Company-Muthukandi station, Dinesh Dharmadasa from Ceylon Tobacco Company-Kilinochchi station, Industrial Development Minister Kumara Welgama-Paranthan station, Education Minister Susil Premajayanth-Alimankada station, People's Bank Chairman W.Karunajeewa-Palali station, Dimbulagala Divisional Secretary, R.Nanayakkara-Eluthumathuwal station, C.A.N.Perera from the Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation,-Mirusuvil station, V Sri Lanka Chairman-Thushara Curera-Kodikamam station, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Chairman Dr.Ariyarathna Athugala- Maviththapuram station and Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva-Chawakachcheri station.