🚆 Sri Lanka's Transport Future: 3 Strategic Priorities for Growth

Sri Lanka must focus on practical delivery and sustainable financing to modernise its transport infrastructure, boost business productivity, and drive long-term national growth. Key Projects & Strategic Focus: • Elevated Highway (New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya) - Proposed 16.4 km 4-lane infrastructure project connecting Colombo’s eastern suburbs to expressways. - Requires refreshed feasibility studies and updated cost estimates (historical estimate: Rs. 171.7 Bn under an 18-year DBFOMT model). • Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) - Proposed 15.7 km line from Fort to Malabe (16 stations, ~30 min travel time). - Subject to fresh technical/financial appraisals and ongoing discussions with JICA regarding concessional financing terms. • Railway Modernisation & Electrification - First phase electric train services planned for early 2027 on 3 main Colombo suburban corridors. - Supported by ADB's $160 Mn loan (total project cost: $192 Mn) under the Railway Efficiency Improvement Project. • Implementation Strategy - Near-term priority should focus on the elevated highway via PPPs and accelerating railway electrification. - Long-term mega-projects like LRT to proceed once updated financial and operational viability plans are finalized.