Colombo: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka is now creating a common dream as a nation and that the Government’s objective is to make public transport the convenient choice for the people. The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the ceremony held to open the renovated Bambalapitiya Railway Station under the ‘Dream Destination’ project.
According to News.LK, the renovated Bambalapitiya Railway Station was opened to the public on 10 September under the ‘Dream Destination’ project, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Sri Lanka Railways Department in line with the Clean Sri Lanka national programme. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the occasion.
The Prime Minister also inspected the renovated railway station, as well as the new pedestrian overpass providing access to the railway station, constructed by the Road Development Authority for which the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka contributed Rs. 60 million.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation to the Bohra community for taking the initiative to renovate and provide the people with improved facilities at the Bambalapitiya Railway Station, a busy and well-known location in the Colombo District. She stated that the renovation of public spaces and the provision of improved facilities have contributed to generating greater interest and a more positive perception of public transport among the people.
The Prime Minister also expressed her appreciation to the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Deputy Ministers and the staff for their contribution towards improving public transport services and attracting greater public interest towards these services. The Government’s commitment to public transport is clearly demonstrated by the increased allocation of funds for the sector. The ‘Dream Destination’ programme is another initiative under this effort, bringing together State institutions and the private sector to contribute to national development.
Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara stated that increased funding would be allocated to the Sri Lanka Railways Department for development activities next year. He noted that public transport and railway services had not previously received sufficient attention from the Government, but that this would change moving forward. The Deputy Minister outlined plans for the electric railway system, expected to be implemented next year.
Speaking on behalf of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Khuzaimah Jefferjee stated that the community, which has been part of Sri Lanka’s social, cultural and economic landscape for more than 150 years, believes in contributing to the country. He highlighted that the renovation of the Bambalapitiya Railway Station was part of the community’s efforts to improve the daily journeys of passengers.
The occasion was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Rizvie Sally, Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer, and Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council Vraie Cally Balthazar.