Railway operations across Sri Lanka have been heavily disrupted following the recent natural disaster, according to the Railway Station Masters' Association (SLSMA).
A total of 39 train power sets that were operating in areas such as Rambukkana, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, Kandy, Chilaw, Puttalam, and Ganewatta are now stranded and cannot be brought to Colombo.

SLSMA Chief Secretary R.M.S. Kasun Chamara Jayasekera reports that the disaster has caused major damage to:

• Roads and bridges

• Railway stations

• Signalling systems

• Main buildings of the Railway Department

He noted that the Railway Department is one of the hardest-hit state institutions in this disaster.

🚉 Train Services Currently Operating

Despite the disruptions, the Railway Department is operating trains on the following routes:

• Coastal Line: Maradana ➝ Beli Aththa

• Kelani Valley Line: Colombo Fort ➝ Avissawella

• Main Line: Colombo Fort ➝ Ambepussa

• Puttalam Line: Colombo Fort ➝ Kochchikade

🛠️ Restoration Efforts Underway

• Quick repair work near Bujjomuwa on the Main Line will allow power sets from Polgahawela and Rambukkana to be used again for office-time trains.

• Once repairs up to Chilaw are completed, the power sets parked at Chilaw station will also return to operation.

Currently, 18 office trains are stuck at different stations, reducing train availability and causing major inconvenience to passengers and staff.

🙏 Message to Passengers

The Railway Department says they are giving maximum support to restore services as soon as possible and apologises for the difficulties caused by reduced train capacity.