Railway Department submits report on unprotected crossings
Friday, 26 July 2013 00:00
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By Lakmal Sooriyagoda
In response to an immediate report asked by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), the Railway Department has submitted a report, including five possible solutions, to deal with unprotected railway crossings island-wide, Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa said yesterday.
Accordingly, the Railway Department, with the assistance of Police Department, has installed barriers near 610 of unprotected railway crossings island-wide by establishing community police service units operating around the clock. Railway General Manager B.A.P. Ariyaratne told HRCSL that necessary steps would be taken to remove unauthorised constructions erected around the unprotected railway crossings enabling to create clear passing train visibility.
The report further said the Railway Department would initiate a program to make drivers aware regarding the unprotected railway crossings by displaying road signs in all three languages. It further said necessary steps would be taken to construct road humps from 40 metres away from the unprotected railway crossings. The report finally said that the Railway Department will take legal action against those who violate the Railway Ordinance.
However, the Human Rights Commissioner Dr. Prathibha Mahanamahewa stated that the HRCSL would closely monitor these proposals until there is a permanent solution to the problem. On 28 June, the HRCSL asked the Railway Department and the Transport Ministry to immediately submit a report regarding the unprotected railway crossings island-wide.
