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Will develop public transport service instead of highways: Champika

13 February 2019 06:53 am - 23     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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If I hold the power to monitor capital expenditure, I would give priority to uplift the public transport like train and bus services instead of constructing highways, expressways and flyovers, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

While addressing the gathering during the opening of ‘second phase of the Lakhiru Sevana’ housing scheme in Malagawatte last evening he said developments done to the transport sector would lead the country forward.

"Unfortunately, we preferred to have flyovers and expressways. That was why we are in a huge debt trap from which we are unable to overcome" he said.

"Twenty-eight per cent of people used trains as their transport service in 1860 but it was not more than five per cent when it comes to the previous year.

We should change this situation by strengthening public transport. Since 2006, funds had been allocated from budgets to build roads, expressways and flyovers. 15 per cent of the area in the Colombo city had been covered with roads," Minister said.

"Therefore, the road capacity in the Colombo town should be increased by three times than the present road capacity to support the number of vehicles coming on to roads by 2030, this task is impossible. For that, all we have to do is to increase the public transport services.

There would be no future in our country unless we have a better transport service. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)


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  Comments - 23

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  • Sara Wednesday, 13 February 2019 08:09 AM

    Well said minister.

    please Wednesday, 13 February 2019 08:32 AM

    Rotten idea. Highways, expressways and flyovers are very much needed for faster transport. Even

    please Wednesday, 13 February 2019 08:32 AM

    Rotten idea. Highways, expressways and flyovers are very much needed for faster transport.

    suresh Wednesday, 13 February 2019 08:53 AM

    Govt waited till the term was almost over to plan this

    Jack Wednesday, 13 February 2019 08:59 AM

    Good move. Develop public transport first. Later can think about constructing highways

    Priya Wednesday, 13 February 2019 09:02 AM

    I don't support the government but this is a good move if it happens. For once this crazy government has taken a good decision.

    BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 13 February 2019 09:04 AM

    You are a fart who is unable to extend the Marine Drive from Wellawatte to Panadura that will improve the traffic movement by 50%, instead still talking shop.

    Samson Wednesday, 13 February 2019 09:17 AM

    With limited space and other resources to expand the road network you should press the govt to improve the rail and road transport, latter must be complemented with A/C buses on all routes. Such an improvement will reduce the use of private vehicles unless people want to show off.

    KANJIPANI-IMRAN Wednesday, 13 February 2019 09:38 AM

    Introduce shuttle bus service in suburbs by roads .many compelled to take their vehicles to the road to go to work due to no public transport service available. Spending 300-400 bucks a day on three wheel is no better than taking your hybrid out!

    SAM Wednesday, 13 February 2019 09:55 AM

    Please increase the number of train railway carriages for students and office workers at peak time and give better facilities. Its more convenient than Bus as Trains travel on time compared to Bus or even other private mode at time. By increasing , train travel, road traffic could reduce. Also find a way to restrict large vehicles like trucks, containers etc. during peak traffic time and promote night time.

    Jude Wednesday, 13 February 2019 09:55 AM

    I guess you GOT your Priorities Right !!!

    roshanaly Wednesday, 13 February 2019 09:57 AM

    Like India

    ShakeSpear Wednesday, 13 February 2019 10:04 AM

    The only sensible statement made by this government is the last 4 years. It takes 2 hours from Colombo Fort to Nugegoda after work by bus. There are too many vehicles on our roads. Without efficient transport no country can develop.

    Rizwan Wednesday, 13 February 2019 10:08 AM

    True logical argument, but who cares? even if you invest in CGR, it won't benefit the public as all know it is the most corrupt government department in Sri Lanka. CTB too same.

    Dee Wednesday, 13 February 2019 11:09 AM

    How to win election? People want to see airport, highways even if they never get to use them. That's 'development'!

    Lokka Wednesday, 13 February 2019 12:33 PM

    when he states transport he is not talking about improving current buses and trains. He wants to introduce mono rail where there's big money in waiting. We don't want mono rail we want buses and train so they are not crowded all the time

    Kudda Wednesday, 13 February 2019 12:39 PM

    Mr.Minister, Bus commuters are stranded for hours on streets due to heavy traffic jams during peak hours. It takes minimum half hour to come from Panchikawatta to Thotalanga in the evening. This is an utter wastage of valuable time which can be used for country's development.

    ram Wednesday, 13 February 2019 12:48 PM

    It is a wrong idea. If to increase the public transport, need to increase more buses and trains, that means we need wider road to cater more vehicles.In the railway, when ever we need to book trains ticket to Jaffna, Nuwara Eliya etc. always say no ticket and all full. why the railway can't increase the number of compartments or increase number of services.

    KK Wednesday, 13 February 2019 06:14 PM

    It should be together.

    S.B.Wijekoon Thursday, 14 February 2019 04:36 AM

    What minister Champika Ranawake says is 100% correct.Sri Lanka is a over populated country and land use must be made very carefully. Agricultural lands should not be used for any other purposes and limited forest reserves also must be protected without clearing for popular political projects like Gam Udawa. The lands already occupied must be used for optimum benefits. Most of the people are short sighted and have no knowledge to understand about the visionary politicians.That is why many people blame PM who is the only statesman that we have at present.Likewise among the young politicians the only visionary politician is Champika Ranawake.If we wish a better future for our new generation it is essential to change our way of thinking and bring persons like Champika Ranawake to the forefront of the politics.

    Nalin Thursday, 14 February 2019 06:06 AM

    It is good that at least one politician has understood the problem. Improving the train service should be the priority of the government. Also reduce the number of government vehicles and improve the bus transport.

    Nizam Thursday, 14 February 2019 10:25 AM

    The workload you take is too much. If you take your hands off from politics and concentrate on your talented experience

    Michael Anthony Boyd Gottelier Tuesday, 26 February 2019 01:49 PM

    Can we in England borrow him for a bit? We need somebody like him to run our transport policy!


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