Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) has announced that a series of special train services will operate from today (June 09) to June 12, in view of the Poson festival.

Railway General Manager – Dhammika Jayasundara stated that 20 special trains will run from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura, while 36 free services will operate between Anuradhapura and Mihintale.

Return trains for pilgrims from Anuradhapura are also in operation.

The State Veterinary Surgeons’ Association has launched a token strike today (June 09).

The strike began at 6.00 a.m. today, based on several demands, including the failure to implement a separate service constitution for veterinary surgeons despite previous efforts.

Association Chairman – Dr. Upul Ranjith Kumara stated that, as a result, the operations of all government veterinary offices will be disrupted.

The Department of Meteorology stated that, showery conditions are expected to enhance in the southwestern part of the island from tomorrow (June 10), with strong wind gusts over the island and in the sea areas around the island.

Accordingly, the general public is requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Dept. of Meteorology in this regard.

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Northern and Uva provinces during the afternoon or night.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills and in Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.