Iron ore is in great demand in developing countries. There are so many coaches, carriages and rails getting corroded. I am sure Japan, China, Taiwan etc will willingly buy this scrap Iron. Even the Oruwala iron factory could turn out valuable utensils.

Vast areas of railway lands are lying idle not bringing in any revenue to the railway. This land could be leased to the needy for cultivation and housing. This will bring an additional revenue and minimise railway losses. I am personally aware that at Hatugoda, Gampola, people are cultivating and building houses on railway land. Why cannot the railway levy a rent on these lands and earn an extra income to minimise the losses?

I hope that this matter will receive the kind notice of the Minister of Transport and the General Manager Railways.

J. P. Wickremasuriya
Retired railway station master
Gampola