Deaths at unprotected railway crossings

There are about 750 unprotected level crossings across the country’s 1150km rail tracks. Of this 225 are found on the Southern Railway line where the rail track has been modernised and trains travel at about 100 kmph. The population along this stretch of railway line is very high. A school bus at Ahungalla in January 1989 crashed into a speeding train, killing 38 children on the spot.

Roads and railways both belong to the state, each with a Minister in charge. It’s a duty of the Government to provide protection at each and every level crossing.

At present Sri Lanka is on a fast track -- developing its road network and building new airports and harbours Railway gates are considered to be expensive. The bamboo gate system is out of place in an era of modern technology. Modern railway gates are a priority for Sri Lanka. If we are cash-strapped I suggest we could request for a modern railway gate protection system from China as an outright gift to Sri Lanka.

If our pragmatic and dynamic president Mahinda Rajapaksa requests China for a modern rail gates system the outcome will definitely be positive.

Sri Lanka will never be the “Miracle of Asia” if Sri Lankans continue to die at these unprotected railway crossings. I’m sure the president will consider this quick solution to a problem that has already killed so many innocent people. Since China is a great friend of Sri Lanka, I’m sure it will install this modern protective rail gate system in double quick time and the president will earn the eternal gratitude of the entire nation.

The president is a great believer in modern technology. I trust the President will consider this simple remedy to a complex problem. If he succeeds the entire nation will be grateful to him.