Boat Service for Commuter Transport Started in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 45 Minute Journey Shortened to 12

March 2010, www.navy.lk

With a view to provide a hassle-free, environment-friendly mode of transport and to ease the congestion in road traffic, Sri Lanka Navy has launched a canal boat service between Wellawatte and Nawala.

The measure comes into effect in accordance with the concept of His Excellency the President in using Greater Colombo canals for water transport and recreation. Deputy Area Commander of the Western Naval Command Commodore S Jayakody and the Registrar of the Open University attended the inaugural ceremony held today (15th March 2010) with the participation of university students and well wishers.

The boat service operates along the Wellawatte-Kirulapona canal between St. Peter’s College in Wellawatte and the Open University in Nawala. The canal way for the purpose was cleaned and made ready by the Sri Lanka Navy with the assistance of the Land Reclamation Board, Central Environmental Authority and the respective Municipal Councils.

Four (04) boats with safety-equipment have been deployed between 7.45 to 9.00 in the morning and 4.00 to 6.00 in the evening daily. As the initial step, they transport the students and the staff of the Open University free of charge assisting them to attend to their academic activities on time.

Measures are under way under the direction of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe to expand the canal boat service for the convenience of the General Public. Necessary infrastructure is being developed to expedite the process in collaboration with relevant Government officials and institutions.