The Railway Department has announced that the government is prioritizing the expedited construction of the Avissawella-Kahawatta railway line, a long-awaited infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
Speaking at the Ratnapura District Coordination Committee, Deputy Chief Engineer (Roads) P.J. Premathilaka confirmed that the project will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will extend from Avissawella to Ratnapura, while the second phase will connect Ratnapura to Kahawatta. The third phase will further extend the railway from Embilipitiya, Suriyawewa, and Mattala to Hambantota Port, enhancing logistics and trade connectivity with the southern region.
Railway reserve surveys have already been completed for the Avissawella-Kuruwita section, and several railway stations have been identified. As part of the railway development plan, the Colombo-Avissawella railway section up to Homagama is expected to be upgraded to a double railway line to improve transport efficiency.
A newly proposed extension from Kahawatta to Hambantota Port has also been added to the project’s scope, reflecting the government’s focus on regional connectivity and economic development. The first phase of construction is estimated to cost approximately $30 million, with financial discussions ongoing with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Indian Government for funding assistance.
Historically, the Colombo-Kahawatta railway line was operational until the 1970s, and the revival of this route is expected to boost economic activity, tourism, and transportation in the region.
