Electric Trains for Sri Lanka. Initial Run between Veyangoda and Kalutara

23rd January 2011, www.sundayobserver.lk, By Ananda Kannangara

Low cost electric trains will be introduced to Sri Lanka before the end of this year, Transport Minister Kumara Welgama said.
The Minister said that almost all developed countries use electric trains to transport goods and passengers due to low maintenance costs. Even developing nations in neighbouring countries with hydro power have also decided to introduce electric trains.

Minister Welgama told the Sunday Observer that the country's rail and bus transport sectors have shown a significant improvement during the past few months with the addition of 500 SLTB buses and a few trains and this encouraged us to go for electric trains.

"The objective of launching electric trains in Sri Lanka for the first time is not only to cover the high cost incurred by the Railway Department, but also to introduce an environment friendly transport service to the nation.

According to the Railway Commercial Superintendent Wijaya Samarasinghe, the electric trains will run between Veyangoda and Kalutara initially. Two main power stations to provide electricity will be built close to Veyangoda and Kalutara.

Thereafter electric trains will be introduced gradually to other parts of the country.A high level discussion was held in this connection in Colombo last week with the participation of Transport Minister Kumara Welgama and Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

The Sri Lanka Institution of Engineers and the Moratuwa University Engineering Faculty have also pledged assistance.

Sri Lanka's Madhu Feast to Draw 400,000 Devotees on 15th August

13th August 2010, www.dailynews.lk, By Shirley Wijesinghe

All facilities will be provided to Madhu devotees until August 16, Madhu Shrine Administrator Rev. Fr. Desmond Kulas told the Daily News yesterday.

“I expect over 400.000 devotees for the Church feast on 15,” he added.

The festival Mass will be held at 6.30 a.m. in Sinhala and Tamil.

Compared with last August 15 feast, no security checkpoints were visible. A peaceful atmosphere dawns after defeating terrorism. The entire shrine area is open for devotees to observe religious activities freely without any restrictions.

Security arrangements have been provided with Police and Army assistance, Rev. Fr. Desmond Kulas said.

Mannar SSP Cecil Kodituwakku said about 1,500 Police Officers are on duty to provide security for devotees additional to Army and Navy attachments.

An official of Lanka Sathosa outlet at the shrine premises said it has enough food to fulfill the devotees’ requirement. Fish and meat stalls will be opened tomorrow through the Lanka Satosa outlets.

It has been also observed that all byroads leading to the Church are being finished with paved stones and other main roads are being carpeted .

Arrangements to supply clean drinking water for devotees and other service providers have been made with the assistance of INGOs and NGOs.

Related Info:
Special Trains for Madhu Festival - Schedule (Timetable)