Light Rail track system

It is reported that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed to terminate the Light Rail project and close down the office with immediate effect, as it has been observed that the Light Rail Track System is very costly and not the appropriate cost effective transport solution for the Urban Colombo transportation infrastructure. He has also said a suitable transport solution should be worked out in consultation with the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing and the Department of National Planning of the Ministry of Finance.

It is also reported that this project costs US$1.5 billion (Yen 30.04 billion) and the Japanese loan carries an interest rate of 0.1% and is payable over 40 years with a grace period of 12 years, and the loan granted to pay the consultants carries an interest rate of 0.01%.

It is surprising as to why, after signing the MOU, on March 11, 2019, by the previous government for this project, now found it is so costly and not an appropriate cost effective transport solution.this would mean another consultancy, and if accepted, seek fresh foreign funding, prepare tender documents, call for tenders, evaluate the tenders and award, which would take at least four years. By that time, the term of office of this government will be almost over. What guarantee the new proposal would be much cheaper? Whoever who advised the President seem to have misdirected him and had not informed him of the attractive terms and the advance technology Japan possesses.

This project is an urgent need and should not be terminated. It is suggested, a panel of competent Civil Engineers, especially those experienced in road construction and traffic control be appointed immediately to go into the proposal, and if needed amend what could be left out. Let this government not miss this opportunity.

Finally after 12 years of grace period, this country would be in a stable position - if governed well - to repay this attractive loan. Think ahead of what the country would be.

-G.A.D.SIRIMAL