He said at present, other modes of transportation, specially the private bus service has become a challenge to the railway service, but the railway too should be maintained at least on a no-profit, no-loss basis.

Addressing a ceremony recently held at the Railway Department, the minister said that all Railway TUs should support the newly appointed General Manager S.M. Abeywickrema to provide a quality train service to the commuters.

Mr. Abeywickrema has over 32 years of experience in the Department of Railway.

Speaking further on the Development of the Railway service the minister added that under the Indian Line of credit they have made orders to purchase engines and those will arrive in another one and a half years.  The department has also ordered compartments from China. In addition orders have been placed to purchase seven engines for the up country-line. The minister said that they had already called for tenders to fix bell and light signals instead of the bamboo gates at unprotected railway crossings.