LRT fiasco: Don’t hurt Japan

Readers, especially those residing in Malabe and thereabouts, should thank ‘Praying Mantis’ for his humorous but factual article on a light rail transit system.

It is surprising, the reasons given in the Cabinet paper to terminate the project, gives the idea that the Minister for Transport or his Secretary had not studied intelligently the Chinese Consultant’s – Scoyoung Engineering Consultancy – report, where all aspects have been meticulously gone through, to recommend its acceptance. I begin to think that the Cabinet Paper is not one prepared and presented by the Ministry of Transport, but by some others, the so called advisors.

The loan of Rs.202 million paid to the Consultants carries a ridiculously low interest rate of 0.01%. The entire loan of 1.6 billion US dollars is at 1% interest. I am yet to know of any international lending agency offering such a low rate of interest for loans granted. Hence, one of the objections, that the project is prohibitive is baseless, and shows the person who advised President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has misled him. It is essential to mention that at the last Presidential Election, Gotabaya Rajapaksa had said he would not approve any project without a feasibility study and its financial viability. If his advisers are those who recommended the termination of this most essential project, I am sorry for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the country, for their not standing by him to prove he maintains what he promised or pledged. A further advantage is that the loan is to be repaid in 40 years, with a grace period of 12 years. Surely, this country will not be at the present financial debacle, in another 12 years, unless the present government and future governments fail.

As for the environment, Japan, as we all know, is one of the main countries concerned about environmental pollution and the Consultants have assured “it will offer an emission free travel experience and reduce the carbon footprint of the country”.

The next reason is displacement of residents in the area. The designers have taken pains to minimise the number of people to be evicted. Didn’t we evict many villagers when Victoria and Laxapana Hydro Power Projects were constructed? Didn’t we resettle the entire villages when constructing Victoria and Laxapana Hydro Power projects.

As for sound construction of the elevated rail track, I believe, Japan has the most experienced engineers, and their ability is evident, if one visits Japan.

I am sorry to say President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is being surrounded by self-interested officers with ulterior motives. It is hoped that Japan, which has a great regard for Sri Lanka, will not be hurt, and be ever prepared to help us.

G. A. D. SIRIMAL

Boralesgamuwa