Indian assistance sought during Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to modernize Colombo - Avissawella railway line

• India has already invested in transport sector 

By Kelum Bandara

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana said he requested Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to offer Indian assistance in terms of a line of credit to modernize the Colombo - Avissawella rail track. Dr. Jaishankar concluded his two-day visit last Friday and had extensive bilateral talks with the leaders here including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. 

The Transport Minister also participated in the meeting with the Prime Minister.

“I requested Dr. Jaishankar to ensure Indian assistance to modernize the rail line from Colombo to Avissawella. I would like to have electrification of this line which is called the Kelani Valley line,” he said.

India has already invested in key rail projects in Sri Lanka. The modernization of the southern coastal line and the reconstruction of the northern railway tracks after the war was over are among them. Besides, India’s state-run IRCON Company is currently modernizing the Anuradhapura-Omanthai section of the northern line. Once developed, trains can run at a speed of 100 kilometres an hour.