News

Colombo-KKS train operations to recommence in July

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2023

editor

Train operations along the Northern Line between Colombo and Kankesanturai are expected to recommence in July.

Train operations along the Northern Railway line have been restricted to Anuradhapura since January due to the modernisation project of the railway line between Maho junction and Omanthai.

At present, the railway track between Anuradhapura and Vavuniya is being modernised leading to the restrictions.

The renovation project is being carried out under Indian assistance at a cost of USD 91 million.

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena meanwhile has said, the upgrade of the track between Anuradhapura and Omanthai is being carried out expeditiously.

He said once completed, trains will be able to run at an average speed of 100m/h along the Northern Line.

Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena added the completion of the renovation work along the Northern Railway line will result in the journey time between Kankesanturai and Colombo reducing by around one hour and 30 minutes.

According to a senior spokesman of Sri Lanka Railways, renovations of the railway track between Anuradhapura and Vavuniya are expected to be completed in July.

Following the completion of the renovations, train operations between Colombo and Kankesanturai are scheduled to recommence on the 15th of July.

(newsradio.lk)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

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

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.