THE Yal Devi train which was suspended beyond Vavuniya for the past 20 years due to LTTE terrorism will run up to Thandikulam from today.
Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said the restoration of the rail track in North destoyed by the LTTE 20 years ago is undertaken by the Government under the Uthuru Mithuru project as the people of both North and South eagerly wait to see the Yal Devi get on track again.
“The railway track and the signal system have already been completed up to Thandikulam,” the Minister said.
“The war is over and we will participate in the new launch of Yal Devi today. Now it is the time to breathe new life into the heart of the nation, to start the journey that will unite the entire nation after 19 years,” the Minster said.
The people living in the North who were unable to travel by Yal Devi due to terrorism for the past 20 years are happy with the resumption of this service,” the Minster said.
The Minister said he is happy to fulfill the request of President Mahida Rajapaksa to run the Yal Devi train at least five more kilometers beyond Vavuniya and consolidate the nation’s resolve that war heroes have shown. He said Yal Devi is a symbol of a single and undivided country and would show our resolve for co-existence,” he said.
It has estimated that Rs.14 billion is needed to restore the rail track upto Jaffna and Minister Alahapperuma invited the public to contribute towards the completion of the project.
People living in Galle have pledged to provide their assistance to rebuild the Omanthai station on a special request by Social Welfare and Social Services Deputy Minister Lionel Premasiri. The construction work is due to commence today.
The people from Hambantota on a special request by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to extend their support to rebuild the Jaffna station while people in the Matara district has come forward to rebuild the Kilinochchi station.
Engineers, masons and carpenters representing these three districts will go to Kilinochchi, Omanthai and Jaffna to rebuild stations. Likewise people from other districts should contribute and participate to build the other stations”, the Minister said.
He said the LTTE tried to break friendly relations between North and South by attacking the Yal Devi. “But our friendships would remain strong as long as the Yal Devi ran and that is why we want to restore the line fast,” he said.
(Courtesy: Daily News)
