News

New Ella Odyssey’s maiden journey begins

Published

5 months ago

February 1, 2025

editor

A new ‘Ella Odyssey’ special train introduced by the Railways Department for local and foreign tourists on the popular Kandy-to-Ella section of the up-country route commenced its maiden journey from Kandy Railway Station at 9:45 a.m today, the Railways Department said.

The train will operate every Saturday and Sunday. It will depart from the Kandy Railway Station at 09.45 am and arrive at Demodara Railway Station at 05.22 pm. The train will return to Kandy from Demodara Railway Station at 06.00 pm.

This train has 176 reserved seats in first class, 176 reserved seats in second class and 44 reserved seats in third class for a total of 396 passengers.

The fares for the first, second and third classes are Rs. 7,000/=, 6,000/= and 5,000/= respectively.

The trains will stop 10 minutes each at the Peradeniya, Nawalapitiya, Hatton, Great Western, Nanu Oya, Pattipola, Ohiya, Idalgassinna, Haputale, Bandarawela, Ella stations and at the Nine Arches Bridge.

The trains will run slowly at selected sightseeing spots.

(dailynirror.lk)
(This story, originally published by dailynirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.

News

Nishantha Wickramasinghe remanded again (Update)

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former SriLankan Airlines Chairman – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been remanded till July 15 by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga.

(Previous news 2025 July 01,12.15pm.)

Ex-SriLankan Airlines chief produced before court

Former Chairman of SriLankan Airlines – Nishantha Wickramasinghe has been produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court by prison officials today (July 01).

Wickramasinghe was arrested last week by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and is currently in remand custody,

News

Seat belt compulsory for bus drivers from today

Published

4 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that starting today (July 01), it will be mandatory for all bus drivers to wear seat belts, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

Under the MotorTraffic Act, bus drivers are legally required to wear seat belts, but a rise in accidents due to drivers ignoring this rule has prompted the authorities to re-enforce it.

Police confirmed that action will be taken against drivers who fail to comply.

Seat belts to be made mandatory for all passengers in expressways

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has also stated that wearing seat belts will be made mandatory to all passengers of light vehicles travelling on expressways from August 01, 2025.

Meanwhile, wearing seat belts will also be mandatory to all passengers of all vehicles on expressways from September 01, 2025.

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also confirmed the directive while speaking to media this morning (July 01) during an inspection tour at the Colombo Central Bus Stand.