The Matara – Beliatta railway line, which is currently under construction, is the first rail track to be constructed since the end of British colonial rule. This newly constructed railway line does not only upgrade Sri Lanka’s railway network, but will also improve the economic development of the region.

Under the project, the southern region's largest railway station will be built at Beliatta while the Tunnel at Nakuttiya will be the longest tunnel in the country with an extent of 606 metres. Railway stations will be set up at Kekanadura, Babarenda and Wewrukannala while sub-stations will be set up at Piladuwa and Weherahena

A total of 229 acres belonging to 1,225 families were acquired for the project. Compensation up to Rs. 978 million was paid to them to launch the construction work.