The first phase of the national programme “Dream Destination”, aimed at renovating 100 railway stations across the country, was launched yesterday (Sep 2) at the Talpe Railway Station under the patronage of Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena.
The initiative, carried out through a partnership between the Government, the private sector, and the public, seeks to rebrand Sri Lanka’s railway stations with a modern identity that meets international standards. Oversight of the project will be shared by the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, and private sector contributors.
Deputy Minister Gunasena described the revitalisation of the railway service as “awakening a sleeping giant,” underscoring the Government’s commitment to transforming public transport into a high-quality service. He added that improvements in transport infrastructure would also provide a significant boost to tourism, noting his confidence that Sri Lanka would achieve rapid development within the next two years as a nation “built on hard work.”
The event was attended by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage, COPE Committee Chairman MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, Railways General Manager Ravindra Padmapriya, Clean Sri Lanka officials, private sector representatives, and local government leaders.
