September 11, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has called for a transformation in the way Sri Lankans view public transport, saying the Government wants buses and trains to become the preferred option for everyday travel.
She made the remarks yesterday (10) while attending the reopening of the refurbished Bambalapitiya Railway Station under the ‘Dream Destination’ initiative.
The project is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Sri Lanka Railways as part of the wider Clean Sri Lanka programme. The improvements are aimed at creating a cleaner, safer and more user-friendly environment for commuters at one of Colombo’s busiest railway stations.
During the visit, the Prime Minister inspected the upgraded station and a newly constructed pedestrian overpass providing access to the railway premises. The overpass was built by the Road Development Authority with a Rs. 60 million contribution from Sri Lanka’s Dawoodi Bohra community.
Dr Amarasuriya praised the community for supporting the renovation, noting that improvements to public spaces can play an important role in rebuilding public confidence in shared transport services.
She said the strength of a country’s transport system should not be measured by the number of private vehicles on its roads, but by how effectively its people are able to use reliable public services. According to her, the Government intends to address longstanding shortcomings in public transport and create an environment where commuters consider trains and other public services a safer and more convenient alternative to private vehicles.
The Prime Minister also pointed to increased Government funding for the transport sector as evidence of its commitment to improving services. She described the ‘Dream Destination’ programme as an example of State institutions, communities and private-sector stakeholders working together on projects that directly benefit the public.
Dr Amarasuriya further stressed that national development cannot be left solely to the Government, arguing that citizens, communities and businesses all have a role to play in shaping the country’s future.
She said Sri Lanka was beginning to develop a shared national vision after years without a clearly defined collective aspiration. The participation of different communities and private organisations in projects such as the Bambalapitiya station renovation, she noted, reflected the spirit needed to turn that vision into reality.
Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara said additional funds would be provided to Sri Lanka Railways next year to accelerate development work. He acknowledged that the railway sector had not received adequate attention in the past and said the Government intended to change that approach.
Gunasekara also announced plans to begin work next year on Sri Lanka’s long-discussed electric railway project. The proposed initial network would cover routes from Maradana to Makumbura, Panadura and Ragama, while plans are also in place to extend the Kelani Valley railway line from Avissawella towards Ratnapura.
He commended private organisations involved in the ‘Dream Destination’ project for contributing to the initiative without seeking promotional returns.
Representing the Dawoodi Bohra community, Khuzaimah Jefferjee said the community, which has maintained a presence in Sri Lanka for more than 150 years, regarded citizenship as a responsibility extending beyond simply living in the country.
He said the decision to support the station’s renovation reflected the community’s belief in contributing to national development and leaving behind a better environment for future generations. The refurbished facility, he added, was intended to make daily journeys cleaner, safer and more comfortable for passengers.
The reopening was attended by senior Government officials, political representatives, Colombo Municipal Council officials, railway authorities, representatives of the Dawoodi Bohra community and officials associated with the Clean Sri Lanka programme.
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