The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development has criticized the Department of Railways for its poor progress on the Kelani Valley Railway Line Project and the Thambuttegama Railway Station Development Project.

Reviewing 2025 budget progress on 11 November, the Committee, chaired by MP S.M. Marikkar, noted that despite Rs. 250 million allocated last year and Rs. 840 million for this year, the Kelani Valley project has shown minimal advancement, which it attributed to inefficiency and lack of proper planning.

Committee members also found the technical explanations for delays at the Thambuttegama Station project “completely unsatisfactory,” stressing that repeated delays result in funds being returned to the Treasury.

Officials were instructed to submit clear action plans with timelines, instead of vague responses. The Committee will summon the Department of Railways, SLTB, and other institutions again, requiring them to present accurate data.

The session also reviewed budget items related to highways, rural bridges, new bus procurement, housing renovations, and energy sector goals.

The Committee further requested an urgent report on making the Galle Port profitable, while commending the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) for its strong performance.