February 21, Colombo (LNW): Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, expressed his frustration yesterday over the prolonged delay in implementing a low-cost signal system for rail crossings aimed at ensuring safety. During a media briefing at the Government Information Department to announce Cabinet decisions, the Minister revealed that despite presenting the proposal, the project has come to a standstill due to delays caused by the Treasury’s requests for reports.
Responding to a question from a journalist regarding a recent tragic accident at an unprotected rail crossing in Arachchikattuwa Anavilundawa, where a mother and her two children lost their lives in a collision with a train, Minister Gunawardhana emphasized the urgency of addressing rail crossing safety.
The Minister clarified, “I presented a Cabinet proposal to solve the problem of signals at rail crossings at a low cost to protect human and animal lives. This signal gate system, costing less than Rs.1.5 million, involves collaboration with the private sector and state-owned corporations. Despite obtaining support from the Opposition Leader and submitting a Cabinet paper, the Treasury’s delays in releasing funds and requesting numerous reports have hindered progress.”
Expressing his discontent, Minister Gunawardhana stated that if the Treasury continues to act in this manner, he will inform the Cabinet and consider handing over the responsibility of governing the Railways and SLTB to the Treasury. He underscored the potential loss of more lives if crucial projects for public benefit continue to be delayed by bureaucratic procedures.
Highlighting another issue, the Minister mentioned the lack of a recruitment and promotion procedure for the SLTB for the past 66 years. He lamented that the Treasury’s persistent delays, committee formations, and report requests hinder the implementation of essential measures for the benefit of the public.
