The Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, previously canceled during former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration, has been approved for resumption by the Cabinet of Ministers. Cabinet spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena made this announcement during a media briefing today (May 30) to disclose Cabinet decisions.
Minister Gunawardena explained that the decision to resume the LRT project was made prior to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent official visit to Japan. The aim was to restore Sri Lanka’s credibility within the international community. He further highlighted that Japan had provided significant assistance to Sri Lanka in the midst of its crisis. However, the termination of certain projects and proposals had strained the bilateral relations between the two countries. President Wickremesinghe’s visit to Japan was intended to address and repair this strain in the Sri Lanka-Japan bilateral relations.
Prior to departing for Tokyo, the President obtained the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval to proceed with the Colombo LRT project.
Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to a proposal suggesting that any agreement Sri Lanka enters into with another country for an investment project or foreign assistance must be presented to parliament. Furthermore, the termination of such agreements should require parliamentary approval.