Responding to a question raised by the opposition in parliament, the Minister further stated that 14 accidents had taken place during this period. The derailments and accidents have caused massive damage to the Sri Lanka Railways and the commuters were in immense difficulties, he said.

He further added that the reasons have been studied and actions have been taken to minimize such instances. He cited the old rail tracks and outdated signal systems as reasons for the accidents. The Minister said that the railway lines are being reconstructed as a solution for the problem.

Sri Lanka Railways recently announced that it plans to reconstruct the rail track between Anuradhapura and Omanthai under an Indian Line of Credit to accommodate high speed trains.