Train services disrupted due to worker strike at Dematagoda yard

Published

11 months ago

August 6, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Railways said that there will be delays in three trains operation from Colombo to Badulla.

Passengers on these routes should expect several hours of delay.

Deputy General Manager N. J. Idipolage reported that the Podi Menike train, originally scheduled to depart at 5:55 AM, has not yet left the station.

Similarly, the 6:30 AM Dunhinda Odyssey train remains stationary in Colombo.

Furthermore, the Udarata Menike train, initially set to depart at 8:30 AM, will experience further delays.

The reason behind these disruptions lies with the employees at Dematagoda railway station, who have abandoned their duties in protest.

The protest stems from the delay in investigating the disappearance of a Dematagoda railway station worker since early yesterday morning.

Authorities are searching for the worker, and near the well at the railway yard, they discovered his wallet, phone, and a pair of shoes.

The missing man, who worked as an air-conditioner, remains unaccounted for.

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

Special traffic plan in Borella today

Published

2 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Police have announced a special traffic plan that will be implemented in Borella today (July 07) due to an event marking the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of the Priesthood of His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The event is expected to draw a large number of invited guests, including religious dignitaries, government officials, and members of the clergy.

To ease congestion, heavy vehicles will be restricted from entering the stretch between Kynsey Road junction and Nandadasa Kodagoda junction on Ward Place between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm within the Borella Police Division.

Police have requested motorists to use alternate routes during this time.

News

Veteran civil servant Bradman Weerakoon bids adieu

Published

21 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

Senior civil servant and distinguished public administrator Bradman Weerakoon has passed away at the age of 94.

Mr. Weerakoon was educated at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, and St. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, before entering the University of Peradeniya, where he graduated with honours in Economics and Sociology.

He later earned a Master’s Degree (MA) in Sociology from the University of Michigan, USA, on a Fulbright Scholarship.

He joined the Ceylon Civil Service in 1954 and served in various parts of the country before becoming secretary to the then Prime Minister – Sir John Kotelawala.

Over an extraordinary career, he went on to serve as Secretary to all elected Prime Ministers and Presidents until 2002, working under 07 Prime Ministers and 03 Presidents – an unparalleled contribution to Sri Lanka’s public administration.

News

Train schedules on Northern line revised

Published

38 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

editor

The Department of Railways has announced amendments to train schedules on the Northern Line in response to public requests.

Due to high demand, the Intercity Express train, which previously operated only on weekends, will now run daily between Mt. Lavinia and Kankesanthurai starting today (July 07).

In addition, the departure time of the “Yaal Devi” train plying daily from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai has been revised from 5.45 am to 6.40 am.

The Department has advised passengers who made advance seat reservations for the “Yaal Devi” train a month ago, to note the new departure time.