Proper use and protection of public facilities is a civic responsibility – Minister Bimal Rathnayake
The first phase of renovation work at the Maradana Railway Station, carried out under the “Dream Destination” programme in parallel with the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, was completed and the upgraded facilities were handed over for public use this morning (25).
With the aim of improving railway passenger infrastructure, only selected sections of the station were renovated in a manner that preserves its historical character. These include refurbishment of the main building, improvements to sanitary facilities on platforms 5 and 6, and landscaping.
A sum of Rs. 35 million has been spent on the project, with financial sponsorship provided by Akbar Brothers. The renovation work was carried out over a period of six months under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology, with consultancy services from NIO Engineering.
Maradana Railway Station, one of the most historically significant stations in Sri Lanka, is the second-largest railway station in the Colombo District. It serves both local and foreign passengers travelling to all parts of the island. Plans are in place to renovate the station in several phases.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake stated that despite the challenging circumstances faced in recent times, a sustainable renovation of the premises, including the main building, had been completed within a period of six months without delay.
He emphasised that the proper use and protection of these public facilities should be regarded as a primary responsibility of both passengers and railway staff. He further noted that all citizens who wish for the country’s progress should unite to safeguard such national assets, and that society must stand against the misuse and damage of public property.
The Minister also pointed out that there had been strong public opposition to damage caused to the Pettah Central Bus Stand following its recent renovation, adding that this demonstrated significant public support for protecting state assets. He stressed that safeguarding public property and national heritage is a civic duty.
Among those present at the occasion were Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat) Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara, General Manager of Railways Ravindra Pathmapriya, Vice Chairman of Akbar Brothers Asgi Akbar Ali, Directors Huseifa Akbar Ali and Hatteem Akbar Ali, Managing Director Rajeev de Alwis, Operations Manager Thushara Lakshman and several others.
