Ways to deal with unprotected level crossings proposed

In response to an immediate report asked by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), the Railway Department has submitted a report including five possible solutions to deal with unprotected railway crossings in the country, Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa said yesterday.

Accordingly, the Railway Department has received the assistance of the Police Department to install barriers near 610 unprotected railway crossings by establishing community police service units which operate round the clock.

Railway General Manager B.A.P. Ariyaratne told HRCSL that necessary steps would be taken to remove unauthorised constructions near these unprotected railway crossings to create a clear view from a distance to prevent accidents.

The report further said the Railways Department would initiate a program to make drivers aware regarding the unprotected railway crossings by dis-

Railway Department has received the assistance of the Police Department to install barriers near 610 unprotected railway crossings

playing road signs in all three languages. It further said necessary steps would be taken to construct road humps about 40 metres from the unprotected railway crossings. The report also said that the railway department would take legal action against those who violate the Railway Ordinance.

However, the Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa told that the HRCSL would closely monitor these proposals until a permanent solution was found.

On June 28, the HRCSL had asked the Railway Department and the Transport Ministry to immediately submit a report regarding the unprotected railway crossings in the country.