The study, which is being carried out by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the University of Moratuwa with funding from the World Bank, focuses on the lines east to Veyangoda and south to Aluthgama, a total distance of around 75km.
A previous study carried out by CEB and SLR in 2008 put the total cost of electrifying the Colombo – Veyangoda line and the Aluthgama line as far as Panadura at Rs 6.5bn ($US 48.7m).
The project is classed as a high priority in the ministry's railway investment proposals for 2015-20.
These would be the first sections of the SLR network to be electrified.
