BIA-Colombo train begins

1 June 2010 05:34 am - 39 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Katunayaka-Colombo bound express train was launched today by MP Namal Rajapkase at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) as Bollywood stars start arriving in the island from tomorrow to attend the IIFA awards which is to be held in the island on Saturday.

Transport Minister Kumar Welgama and other senior government officials were also present at the opening ceremony and got onboard the train while it made its maiden journey to Colombo. (Daily mirror online)

Pics by Kithsiri De mel

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Comments - 39

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:33 AM

This is a great achievement. This rail track was constructed way back in the seventies. There was a train service but that was abounded time to time. Please keep continuing this service which is badly needed. We must think positive and go forward. Well-done Kumar Welgama and Namal Rajapakse. Keep doing the good things.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:39 AM

Has Hon.NR done up the Fort station as well, as this station is stinking like a decomposed body??!! We must encourage such events, at least by then the present condition of railway will be upgraded.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:46 AM

Leo, Either you are naive or have been misinformed. this is a money making event, they held it in different countries including the UK over the years and if you think the UK will host it if they don't get a return, you are seriously mistaken. On the other hand, holding international events like this will help SL immensely for their image and for 2013 Commonwealth meeting.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:54 AM

Truth is bitter but Ajith's comment is wonderful

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:54 AM

Do not compare Olympics and IIFA. These two are totally different events. So I think you should keep mouth shut since you do not know the kinds of events.

I think we should not get up set, but all ministers should do their best to develop Sri Lanka as Sri Lanka has good histories, caltures & etc. Do not compare Singapore or Dubai or Sudan or even Yemen, we must have self respect & discipline.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:01 AM

What has happened to the Srilankans so many negative comments.Who ever does something good we have to support.Your country should come first not the party.Thanks to everybody who helped this train service whether Blue, Green or Red.
Sarath Dassanaike

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:07 AM

Hon Namal, Thank for visit Rail way In sri Lanka. I think you have do lot of works to SLR.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:22 AM

Leo your comments just stink !!!!. Dont comment just for the sake of commenting. How dare you say its the tax payers money been used??? what proof do you have?

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:30 AM

It is good to see Rajapakksa Jr in action.Congratulations!!!

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:32 AM

What grandma initiated,grandson completed

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:38 AM

Understand the negative comments that were made. But it happens any part of the word. For example when Olympics are to held in a country they will go to any extent and expenses to uplift the country or the city for that International event.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:36 AM

Dude, we are talking about an Indian event. if you have landed at the Mumbai airport you would not say such crap. Colombo shanties are nothing compared to what you get in Mumbai.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:43 AM

Yes otherwise daily office trains will have to stop.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:44 AM

Why MP launching this event while Minister in charge guarding

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:47 AM

Only for foreigners not for Sri Lankans
so what do u mean development ?????????????????

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 07:53 AM

Will this train too be ON THE SPOT until the concerned flight passing Indian Ocean?

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 08:01 AM

I am surprised why Sri Lankans are such pessimistic all time. Is that due to bad political influence on them or lack of good education. Some one wants to compare Sri Lanka with Sudan. If you have been to either India or Pakistan, you would change your mind.If someone does a good thing we have to appreciate it.How Sri Lanka could compete with others with such a lot of negative thinkers.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 08:09 AM

This is only for foreigners, VVIP & IIFA.After the event it will be closed again

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 08:11 AM

Good work... This shows if we are determined we can do anything. Why didnt anyone do it all this time.
Mr Namal Rajapakse must be congratulated. please ensure it is reliable and effective from now on...

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 08:13 AM

Ajith
At least now things happen in this country.
So be happy.
Yes before this we were sleeping.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:22 AM

Don't worry.. after the IIFA event u will be able to see these carriages at the Maradana Train Yard rotting away....

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 05:56 AM

This is irritating.They implement these services only when its come to international events.Pathetic!!!!!The Secretariat Railway station was a neglected child for the last so many years.Can we have more and more international events to brush up mother Srilanka and its sleeping giants.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:09 AM

Good move. We are happy, we started some thing long overdue. Congratulations

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:12 AM

Will it bar the office trains that run on the single railroad.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:12 AM

I totally agree with Ajith. why on earth should we brush up only for international events. Why not give the same priorities to boost our local events too.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:16 AM

I totally agree with ajith. Why dont we brush up and wake up the same way for our local events too.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:17 AM

We are not against any VIP's or foriegners. In fact we want to give our best. But why only for them. Why not launched for public and on rush hours.
Congrats for Namal? why, did he invent this? or invested his money? or at least driving the train?
By the way its not BIA. It's Colombo International Airport.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:18 AM

if more IIFA events are kept in Sri Lanka, Colombo and the suburbs will develop faster than Singapore.. Must thank the Indian govt. for pushing IIFA to be held in SL.. otherwise will be in the same sorry state..

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:20 AM

As I remember, this project was initiated by former president Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranayaka with the help of China. Namal Rajapakse was a school boy that time.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:20 AM

After seeing the shanty houses by the side of the railway track, I'm sure they would want to take the return flight back immediately.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 05:50 AM

Congratulations to the SLGR for this wonderful task initiated by Mr. Namal R.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:25 AM

Where is Dallas, the man who put the foundation for these things?

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:25 AM

For God Sake do not even think of comparing SL to Singapore. If you know how Singapore is runned, you will not make this mistake. If you really want compare, you could compare with countries like Sudan!

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:30 AM

Will this service be stopped after the IIFA event.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:30 AM

i think this time i can go home from the airport express train....

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:32 AM

why wait for IIFA, it should have been started earlier...

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:32 AM

Don't be in a hurry to thank Indian govt. Do you know how many millions GoSL is spending to provide accommodation, security, air tickets, transport etc. to the artists arriving? These are Sri Lankan tax payer’s money.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:32 AM

Can't imagine if a Hollywood festival will be in Sri Lanka. How pathetic why we can't think independently and initiate good work.

Tuesday, 01 June 2010 06:37 AM

Mr. Namal, why don't you take over the inefficient Dehiwela/Mount Lavinia Muncipality also, the area is full of garbage for last one month.

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BIA-Colombo train begins

Comments - 39

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