April 09, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has underscored the government’s commitment to developing a resilient and inclusive transport network, stating that public services must be easily accessible to children, women, older citizens, and individuals with disabilities.
She shared these views on 9 April while attending the launch of a major refurbishment initiative at Colombo Fort Railway Station, a landmark project now underway with her patronage.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Amarasuriya noted that no nation can genuinely claim progress without a robust and efficient public transport system, stressing that mobility lies at the heart of social and economic development.
The renovation effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, seeks not only to upgrade facilities at the historic station but also to safeguard its architectural heritage. This is being carried out in close coordination with the Department of Archaeology to ensure that modernisation does not come at the expense of cultural value.
In what officials describe as a transformative step for Sri Lanka’s rail sector, the broader “Railway Efficiency Improvement Project” aims to elevate Colombo Fort into a transport hub of international standing. Funding for the initiative is being jointly provided by the Asian Development Bank alongside government resources.
An allocation exceeding Rs. 2,100 million has been set aside for the station’s redevelopment, with completion targeted within 15 months. Once finished, the project is expected to significantly improve daily travel for the vast number of commuters who pass through the station.
Planned enhancements include the introduction of advanced automated ticketing systems, replacing conventional processes, alongside the installation of lifts and elevated walkways designed to improve accessibility. The upgrade will also see the construction of new structures to strengthen passenger safety and the addition of improved sanitary facilities to meet higher standards.
When completed, Colombo Fort Railway Station is set to emerge as a modern, user-focused transit centre, combining efficiency with accessibility while retaining its historic character.
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