Expert committee to study ways to restructure Sri Lanka Railways

The Cabinet nod has been granted to appoint an expert committee to study possible ways to restructure the Department of Sri Lanka Railways.

Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardana this week sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to appoint a committee of experts to submit appropriate proposals to restructure the Department under a fitting structure.
The Railway Department incurred a loss of Rs.10 billion on Rs.2.6 billion income in 2021. The salary and overtime payment alone constituted Rs.9.3 billion alone during the year.

Gunawardana earlier noted that the Department would soon be unable to pay its fuel bill amid financial strain. He opined that Sri Lanka Railways must be converted into an authority to make it more efficient and self-sustainable.

The Government Information Department noted that concurrence of all relevant parties has been received for the restructuring of the Department.