Modernising Gampaha district rail stations:

Better service for public, tourists

Eleven railway stations in the Gampaha district are to be completely modernised under the guidance of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

The renovation is being carried out under a programme to provide the public and tourists a better service. Railway stations used daily by the most number of commuters have been selected for this purpose.

The modernisation will meet requirements of passengers and make the stations attractive to the public.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa said this when he discussed planned development projects in the Gampaha district with the Government Agent, officials of the district and people’s representatives at a meeting last week.

Minister Rajapaksa instructed officials and people’s representatives to modernise the stations under a long term plan to ensure high standards since the majority of the stations are in a poor and dilapidated condition, causing difficulty to commuters.

The objective of this modernisation is to see that no inconvenience is caused to disabled persons, elderly people, members of the clergy and tourists at these stations. Rest rooms, health facilities, ticket counters, platforms and stairways among others will be improved in stations at Ragama, Ja-ela, Seeduwa, Katunayaka (BOI), Negombo, Ganemulla, Gampaha, Bemmulla, Veyangoda and Ambepussa in the Gampaha district.

Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, Deputy Ministers Lasantha Alagiyawanna ,Pandu Basnayaka and Sarana Gunawardena, MPs Sudarshini Fernandopulle and Ruwan Ranatunga and Western Provincial Council Minister Nimal Lansa were among the large number of people’s representatives and high government officials who attended the meeting.