FINANCIAL CHRONICLE — The Sri Lankan cabinet has granted approval for the acquisition of land necessary for the long-awaited development of the Kelani Valley (KV) railway line, which runs from Maradana to Avissawella, as announced by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

This initiative aims to upgrade the narrow-gauge railway corridor and will require land acquisition across seven Divisional Secretariat Divisions, namely Colombo, Thimbirigasyaya, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Maharagama, Homagama, Padukka, and Seethawaka.

The objective of the project is to secure the right-of-way for a railway line that has been hindered by speed limitations and deteriorating infrastructure over time.

Minister Jayatissa informed the media that the government is in the process of completing the initial stages of land acquisition. “Currently, we are identifying and acquiring the necessary lands; funds have been allocated for this initiative, and we are accelerating these efforts,” he stated.

Previously, the cabinet had provided in-principle approval for the railway’s development and the resettlement of families residing on the land designated for the project. Financial resources have been set aside to compensate and relocate those impacted by the expansion. (Colombo/May5/2026)