16.2.2008

The Government has decided to commence the construction of the US$ 300 million Matara-Kataragama railway line by April this year, according to the Transport Ministry. It is anticipated that the existing rail network will be extended by another 113 kilo metres when this section of the railway line is completed.
The project is being implemented in three stages and the first phase is in progress from Matara to Beliatta. Under the first phase, 27 km is expected to be completed by 2010.

The railway line will be extended from Beliatta to Weerawila by 2012 under the second stage and the whole project is expected to be completed by 2015. The acquisition of private lands and properties, the provision of alternative lands and payments of compensation are being processed successfully to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.

Courtesy - Government Information