The first test-run on the newly constructed Matara-Beliatta railway line was held on 06th of January 2018. Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga was on board. The Matara-Kataragama railway line project is being carried out in three stages. Under the first stage, a 26.75 km long stretch will be completed between Matara and Beliatta. The railway project, funded by a $278 million loan from China EXIM Bank, is being built by the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) and China Railway Services Company under the supervision of the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB). A youth taking a selfie to mark the occasion. Pictures by Wimal Karunathilake.
