‘Mathin Nidahas Ratak’ leaves on maiden journey
The train with most modern facilities named Mathin Nidahas Ratak – (Country Free of Narcotic Drugs) which will operate from Colombo Fort to Kankasanthurai as part of the National Anti Narcotics Drive left on its maiden journey from Colombo Fort at a ceremony held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday (January 27) morning.
The President also joined yesterday’s programme by travelling in the train from Colombo Fort up to the Maradana station.
The President’s Media Unit said a Country Free of Narcotic Drugs-National Anti Narcotic Drugs Eradication Campaign was launched four years ago on a concept of President Maithripala Sirisena.
It was given a new momentum and orientation during the last few days. Under this programme, the week beginning from yesterday (January 27) has been designated as the ‘Daham Pasal Week’ and the train was operated concurrently with it.
President Sirisena who vested the new train in the people also joined in the distribution of hand bills aimed at creating public awareness about the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, President Sirisena said the narcotic drugs combating and eradication programme conducted during the last four years has been given a new orientation and impetus from this year.
The President also requested the people to shed political differences and assist and cooperate in the National programme aimed at eradicating narcotic drugs from the country.
The President also handed over the documents pertaining to the naming of this train linking the North and South to Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga.
This train imported from India consist of two power sets. It is equipped with two air conditioned compartments, two Second Class compartments and seven Third Class compartments.
A public awareness campaign on narcotic drugs eradication was also held at the Kurunegala Railway station with the participation of Daham Pasala students yesterday.
Indian High Commissioner Taranjith Singh Sandhu, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake, Director, Presidential Task Force on Drug Eradication Dr. Samantha Kithalawarachchi and other officials were also present on the occasion.
(Source: Daily News)
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Get in a Used/Old train and check the inside poor facilities,
The Indians have dumped a used train (carriages and Engine) on their poor debt-ridden neighbours.
This train is equipped with two air conditioned compartments, two Second Class compartments and seven Third Class compartments.
The air conditioning was not working on the first journey. The entire carriages made passengers sweat like chimpanzees. There are no modern facilities; the cafe was serving stale bread and plain tea. The toilets resembled those in the Maradana Station where users have to tip-toe to avoid faeces left behind on the floor by others.
Sure we paid big money to these Indian con-men.
With weeks the fans and light bulbs will disappear, the toilets will be ruined. Windows will be stuck etc.
Does this president has nothing better to do? Opening ceremony for a small event like this.
Excellent observation, Ranjith.
SL does not create trade based technicians. We are creating graduates in Sociology, history and arts who cannot produce anything. They all aspire to work for Government doing nothing, clogging alredy stressed transport services.
We are using National Wealth to create infrastructure using imported labour. Unless we expand of trade based skills, the assets that we create and purchase soon become unfit for purpose. Then, our Governments will rot the tender system to procure replacements.
We are creating a massive, island wide junkyard.