The first phase of the national programme to renovate 100 railway stations under the "Dream Destinations" initiative was launched today (September 2nd) at Talpe Railway Station, led by Hon. Prasanna Gunaseena, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways.

This programme is being implemented as a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and the public to rebrand Sri Lanka’s railway stations with a modern identity that meets global standards.

The Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative and with the support of the private sector, aims to renovate 100 railway stations through this national programme.

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunaseena emphasized that modernizing the railway service is akin to awakening a sleeping giant. He stated that the current government remains committed to transforming public transport into a high-quality service.

He further highlighted that improving public transportation will also foster the development of the tourism industry, driving rapid progress in Sri Lanka over the next two years.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Hon. Ratna Gamage, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and aquatic resources; Hon. Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera, Parliamentarian and Chairman of the Coop Committee; Mr. Kapila Senarath, Director (Social) of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat; Mr. Dasun Wijesekera, Director (Coordination) of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat; Mr. Ravindra Pathmapriya, General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways; Mr. A. Sukumaran, Managing Director of Star Garment; Mr. Harsha Punchihewa, Chairman of Habaraduwa Pradeshiya Sabha; and Mr. Lakmini Samarasekara, Convener of NIO Engineering, among others.