Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2013-07-25

Construction of New Railway Line from Matara to Kataragama - Stages II and III

- Cabinet approval has already been granted to proceed with Stage I of the Project relating to the construction of a new railway line from Matara to Beliatta. With regard to the Second Stage of the Project from Beliatta to Kataragama, it has been proposed to shift the new railway line towards inland, to secure natural habitat in the coastal belt further and to minimize the damages to be caused to the Public and property. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Kumara Welgama, Minister of Transport, to conduct a feasibility study and an environment impact assessment for the purpose of construction of a new railway line from Beliatta to Hambantota and Kataragama, connecting Hambantota at a suitable place covering Angunakolapelassa, Wetiya Junction, Andarawewa, Mattala and Lunugamvehera, was approved by the Cabinet.