Monday, 1 July 2013 00:16
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By Lakmal Sooriyagoda
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has asked the Railway Department and the Transport Ministry to immediately submit a report regarding the unprotected railway crossings islandwide, Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahana-mahewa said.
The Commissioner said the HRCSL would intervene into the matter after considering the several fatal incidents that have taken place throughout the country and that the commission would make recommendations to the authorities after having a consultative meeting with the relevant parties.
“As we aware, since 2012 up to now, monetary allocation amounting to Rs. 1 billion was given to the relevant authorities.
Therefore, 200 railway gates were made protective. We called for a report from the General Manager of Railway Department and the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport asking what kinds of steps have been taken by them to minimise accidents at unprotected railway crossings. As State institutions, they have a liability and responsibility to minimise the incidents,” he said.
There are about 750 unsafe railway gates in the country.
