The planned construction of the Beliatta-Kataragama railway has been stalled as of now, Project Technical Officer Y. K. Samarajeewa stated.

He made this revelation yesterday during the District Agriculture Committee meeting in Hambantota as a response to concerns raised by farmers who may lose their lands due to the project.

Samarajeewa pointed out that the construction of the railway from Matara to Beliatta is being carried out as planned. The distance of this stretch is 26km.

There were two alternative routes considered for the railway from Beliatta to Kataragama, added the Technical Officer. However, the project will not start in the near future, he added.

The project was initiated under the Mahinda Rajapaksa government and runs through his traditional base of support.