The Government of India is extending assistance to the Sri Lankan Government to implement a comprehensive project for upgrading the Colombo-Galle- Matara coastal railway line. The assistance was announced during the State Visit of His Excellence President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India in December 2005. The project covers upgrading the tracks, bridges, signaling and induction of new passenger trains. When completed, the revamped coastal railway line system will substantially improve the rail services on the Colombo - Galle - Matara section and result in higher average speeds and increased number on train services.

A multi-disciplinary team of railway experts from RITES and IRCON, the overseas arms of the Indian Ministry of Railways for undertaking railway projects have completed work relating to the preparation of a feasibility study for the project. During their visit, the team called on Hon. AHM Fowzie, Minister of Railways and Transport, Mr. PM Leelaratne, Secretary, Ministry of Railways & Transport and a senior team of officers of Sri Lanka Railways headed by Mr. KA Pemasiri, General Manager (Railways). The Indian team made extensive site visits on the Colombo-Matara line with their counterparts of Sri Lanka Railways to draw up a detailed project implementation strategy for undertaking the coastal line upgrade and rehabilitation. The team also held detailed meetings with Dr. PB Jayasundera, Secretary (Treasury). Earlier, during a recent visit to Delhi, Dr. Jayasundera held discussions with the Chairman, Indian Railway Board. The Indian Ministry of Railways had assured full support for the project including Human Resource Development and Technology Transfer to Sri Lanka Railways.

RITES has undertaken a large number of railway overseas projects in over 55 countries, many of them funded by Government of India and World Bank for rehabilitation and upgrading railway systems with emphasis on institutional capacity building and cost-effective technology transfer. The Colombo - Galle - Matara project is likely to be completed in two years.