News

Calypso train to run 4 times daily

Published

5 months ago

February 7, 2025

editor

The Railway Department has announced that the popular open-car ‘Calypso’ train, a major attraction for both local and foreign tourists, will operate four times a day from Demodara to Bandarawela starting from the 14th of this month.

To mark this milestone, a special maiden journey will be held in tribute to the team behind the creation of the train, including Chief Mechanical Engineer Nishantha Perera, Superintendent Engineer Project Development Krishantha Gallage, and seven others. Their efforts, along with a dedicated team of 30 railway personnel, transformed a decommissioned train into the vibrant ‘Calypso’ train in less than a year, showcasing the country’s engineering expertise.

Originally launched on April 5th last year, the ‘Calypso’ train was built at a cost of Rs. 5.5 million. It features four open-top coaches, offering breathtaking views of scenic landmarks such as the Demodara Bridge, Ravana Ella, Rail Gate, and other picturesque sites along the upcountry railway. Additionally, an observation coach has been elegantly designed with wooden carvings, adding to its unique charm.

Railway General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara emphasized that increasing the train’s frequency aligns with efforts to promote tourism and preserve the rich heritage of the upcountry railway for the national interest.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, arrested

Published

2 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

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,