No policy decision yet on Colombo LRT project: Finance Ministry

Saturday, 8 March 2025 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Finance Ministry yesterday announced that the Government has not yet made a policy decision regarding the Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which was initially planned with Japanese support.

Speaking at a press briefing following the signing of the debt restructuring agreement with Japan, Finance Ministry External Resources Department Director-General R.M.S.P.S. Bandara stated that fresh discussions would be required with the Government of Japan before any decision on the LRT project could be made.

The LRT project, originally initiated under the Yahapalana Government, was abruptly cancelled in 2021 by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa without prior consultation with Japan or the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – its primary funding agency.

Following this, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe formally apologised to the Japanese Government in May 2023 during his official visit to Tokyo.

In 2024, Japan announced the resumption of 11 suspended projects in Sri Lanka, acknowledging the LRT project as a potential future investment opportunity rather than an ongoing initiative.

However, its revival remains uncertain, pending further Government discussions and policy direction.

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