Sri Lanka Launches ‘Dream Destination’ Project to Modernise 100 Railway Stations
Sri Lanka has officially launched the “Dream Destination” project, a nationwide initiative to renovate and modernise 100 railway stations as part of a broader strategy to overhaul the country’s public transport system and push national development to a new level.
Speaking at the ceremonial launch held at the Presidential Secretariat on June 27, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared that the government’s vision is not merely to tweak outdated systems but to fundamentally transform the nation. “We are not here to patch up the past. We are building a future where Sri Lanka rises to new heights,” he said.
The President stressed that modernising public transport is a cornerstone of this transformation. With nearly eight lives lost daily due to road accidents and rising environmental and economic costs tied to vehicle imports, he emphasized that a robust, efficient public transport network is essential. “We are ending the culture of arbitrary decisions. Every authority and individual must be accountable,” he said, calling for a national shift in mindset where public property is respected and rule of law is upheld.
The project, led by the Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Programme and private sector partners, aims to create a clean, safe, and accessible railway station network that caters to all citizens, including those with special needs.
Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake, presenting the new Road Safety Action Plan 2025–2026 to the President, revealed that traffic congestion alone costs Sri Lanka up to 3% of its GDP annually. He noted that the public’s dependence on private vehicles has soared since 2012, making public transport reform not just important, but urgent.
As part of future infrastructure plans, the Ministry is proposing new railway lines from Kottawa to Avissawella and from Avissawella to Ratnapura, along with efforts to revive unused lines like Nuwara Eliya–Nanu Oya for tourism. Cargo rail infrastructure will also be developed to boost economic activity.
Architect Murad Ismail presented the station modernisation master plan, while engineering experts from the National Intelligence Organization and Sri Lanka Railways shared technical insights and safety priorities. Notably, 429 railway crossings remain unprotected across the country, and the first phase of the project will focus on securing 134 of the most critical points.
An online platform was also unveiled during the event, encouraging public engagement with the project.
The event was attended by key government officials, engineering professionals, software developers, and leaders from major private sector companies signalling a whole of society approach to building Sri Lanka’s transport future.
With the “Dream Destination” initiative, the government has signaled its intention not just to upgrade infrastructure, but to redefine the everyday experience of travel in Sri Lanka connecting cities, communities, and people through a modern, safe, and inclusive railway system.
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