Economic crisis a blessing in disguise for local transport infrastructure: UoM Prof.

• Says it stopped govt. from going ahead with expensive projects that were not heading in right direction
• Points out “right” projects are less costly
• Stresses need to bring non-motorised transport to urban areas 

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam 
The economic crisis that hit Sri Lanka last year is a blessing in disguise, said a senior professor of a state university, as it helps halt the relevant authorities from making the wrong decisions with regard to the island nation’s transport infrastructure, which needs serious attention. 

Prior to the political and economic crisis that brought the economy to an almost dormant state, Sri Lanka made poorly thought-through decisions in terms of transport and was less concerned about the outcome of the millions of US dollars pumped into infrastructure development projects. 

“We were going ahead as if we have everything in our pockets to continue to build expensive transport infrastructure that was not heading in the right direction. The good thing now is everything has stopped,” said Prof. Athula Senaratne of the University of Moratuwa Transport and Logistics Department. 

While pointing out that the reduced access to finances to continue with transport infrastructure building projects is not good news in the long term, he noted that it would allow the country to start investing in suitable projects. 
“The right things are actually less costly,” said Prof. Senaratne, addressing a panel at the seventh edition of the International Climate Change Conference that kicked off in Colombo on Thursday. 

The need of the hour for Sri Lanka, as it is hit with fuel shortages that have increased the cost of public and private transport, is to explore renewable solutions, such as non-motorised transport in urban areas. Focus is also needed on improving bus and train transportation across the island nation.  

“These are the only options we have. But the question is how will the government finance this,” said the transport and logistics expert. 

 He suggested that the relevant authorities could look at taxing transport systems that it does not want to encourage, which in turn will provide the financial means to develop the systems that need investment for upliftment, a model that is successfully followed by nations such as Singapore. 

“These are some of the pushes the communities need to talk about. These are not the low-hanging fruits but are catalysts that give people the confidence that these things can be done. 

“We need to first take the steps we can and then gradually go towards the technological answers,” noted Prof. Senaratne.