The Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union announced that it has not extended support for the ongoing railway strike, stressing that all office trains scheduled for Colombo operated as planned today and continue to run without disruption.

Union Secretary Dimuthu Edirisinghe told the media that no train services were suspended due to a shortage of engine drivers. 

He explained that while a few services were temporarily halted owing to technical faults, drivers themselves worked to resolve the issues, ensuring operations remained normal.

“We want to make it clear to the public that there is no inconvenience. All trains are operating as normal, and commuters can use them for their travel,” Edirisinghe said.

He further dismissed the strike as “useless and unsuccessful,” claiming it was being carried out to serve the personal agendas of certain union leaders. (Newswire)

"කිසිම දුම්රියක් අවලංගු වුණේ නෑ…ධාවනය සාමාන්‍ය පරිදි" "වර්තමානයේ සිදුකළ අසාර්ථකම වර්ජනය මේක…" pic.twitter.com/f6atLCpwM9

— Ada Derana Sinhala (@adaderanasin) September 17, 2026

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Despite a 48‑hour strike launched by railway unions from midnight yesterday (16), the Railway Department confirmed that all office trains have begun journeys from their scheduled locations, ensuring services for commuters.

The strike, called in protest against the administrative actions of the General Manager of Railways, involves railway drivers, controllers, station masters, and several other unions.

It follows a disciplinary letter issued against Kasun Chamara Jayasekara, General Secretary of the Station Masters’ Association, which was later suspended by a directive from Asiri Karunawardena, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.

The Railway Department’s Superintendent of Train Operations, Asanka Samarasinghe said that except for one train, all others are scheduled to run normally. The Railway Department also confirmed that services across all routes are being maintained despite union action.

Union leaders, however, insist the strike is necessary. Sumedha Somaratne, President of the Station Masters’ Association, said several trains were cancelled even before the strike began, inconveniencing passengers.

He accused the General Manager and executive officers of failing to prepare plans to secure revenue or provide facilities for commuters, adding that the majority of station masters have joined the strike. He stressed that the action is not politically motivated but aimed at strengthening the department.

Passengers at Fort railway station faced difficulties last evening when several train journeys were cancelled ahead of the strike.

According to the Railway Department, services have been scheduled as follows: 13 trains on the Coastal Line, 11 on the Puttalam Line, 15 on the Main and Northern Lines, and 7 on the Kelani Valley Line.

The unions have also demanded the removal of the current General Manager of Railways, with the strike expected to continue until midnight tomorrow (18). (Newswire)

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Six train journeys scheduled to operate tonight will be cancelled as a result of the nationwide train strike planned for tomorrow (17), according to reports.

Among the affected services are the 7.00 pm train from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa, the 8.00 pm train from Colombo Fort to Kankasanthurai, and the 9.30 pm night mail train to Batticaloa.

However, the Railway Department and transport authorities have not yet issued an official statement confirming the cancellations. (Newswire)

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A Railway Department report has revealed a critical shortfall in operational train engines, with only 50 engines currently in service out of a fleet of 98.

The report notes that at least 74 engines are required to sustain normal train operations and further highlights that in 2024, the Department had 53 engines available for operation, underscoring the decline in capacity.

Power sets, which are mainly used for office trains, are also in short supply. Out of a fleet of 242 power sets, only 118 are presently operational, while 193 are needed to maintain services. In 2024, the fleet contained 258 power sets, with 148 in operation at the time.

Railway trade unions say the shortages have led to daily cancellations of train journeys and an increase in delays caused by defects in engines and power sets. They accuse the General Manager of Railways of failing to respond adequately to repeated warnings about the situation.

As a result, 27 railway trade unions have announced plans to launch a strike on September 17. The Sri Lanka Unprotected Railway Gatekeepers’ Union has also pledged support, with its Secretary Anil Kumara Navarathna stating that members had repeatedly sought discussions on their grievances but were denied opportunities.

In an effort to avert the strike, a meeting between union representatives and the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport is scheduled to take place this afternoon (14) at the Ministry. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has taken a decisive step to protect both wildlife and railway passengers with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce advanced technology aimed at preventing wild elephant–train collisions.

The MoU was signed yesterday (01) at the President’s Media Centre under the patronage of Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, coordinated through the Clean Sri Lanka programme. 

The initiative is being implemented as a public‑private partnership involving the Railway Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Forest Conservation Department, with full financial backing from People’s Bank.

The system features three‑beam detection, passive infrared (PIR) sensors, automatic temperature sensors, and tamper alarms capable of identifying animals weighing over 20 kilograms and detecting unauthorized interference. 

Signal lights (red/yellow/green) installed on either side of railway tracks, together with a special screen inside locomotive cabs, will alert drivers to the exact location of elephants in advance.

A demonstration test was successfully conducted at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, after which a technical report was prepared. 

The pilot project will begin next month at 13 high‑risk locations where elephant accidents are frequent. A newly developed website, slps.lk, will also be launched to allow the public to monitor project progress live.

The MoU was signed by Additional General Manager of Railways P.D.S.B. Chandrasena, Director General of Wildlife Conservation M.S.L.R.P. Marasinghe, Conservator General of Forests S.C. Palamakuumbura, and People’s Bank Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda. 

Senior officials from the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Railway Department, Wildlife Conservation Department, Forest Conservation Department, and People’s Bank were also present. (Newswire)

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Train operations on the Northern railway line were disrupted today after a train traveling from Polgahawela to Maho derailed at the Potuhera railway station, the Railway Department confirmed.

The department said the derailment has caused an obstruction on the line, forcing delays to all trains scheduled to pass Potuhera station.

Services are expected to run behind schedule until clearance work is completed, the Railway Department added. (Newswire)

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The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000 on a railway catering service after it was found guilty of selling bottled drinking water above the Government‑prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) aboard the Kankesanthurai–Colombo train.

The case was filed by Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) district investigation officers following a special raid in Anuradhapura on July 9, 2026. During the inspection, officers discovered that a 1000 ml bottle of water, marked at Rs. 120, was being sold for Rs. 150 inside the train canteen.

Upon considering the evidence, the Magistrate ruled that the establishment had violated Direction No. 96 issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act and imposed the penalty.

The CAA has formally notified the Sri Lanka Railways Department about the sale of goods at excessive prices in train canteens. Officials confirmed that the same establishment had previously faced legal action for similar violations and has now been strictly warned to comply fully with consumer protection laws.

The Authority emphasized that while it seeks to guide traders through awareness and instruction, it will not hesitate to take strict legal action against any trader or establishment that disregards regulations.

Passengers are urged to report traders selling goods above the prescribed Maximum Retail Price aboard trains or elsewhere via the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI image)

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Sri Lanka Railways has announced the commencement of the train service between Colombo Fort and Talaimannar, starting today (24).

Train No. 5003 will depart Colombo Fort at 3:50 pm daily and reach Talaimannar at 10:28 pm, while Train No. 5004 will begin its return journey from Talaimannar at 4:10 am the following day, arriving at Colombo Fort at 10:44 am.

The service will stop at major stations including Gampaha, Kurunegala, Maho, Anuradhapura, Medawachchiya, Mannar Town, and Talaimannar Town. 

However, until renovation work at Anuradhapura New Town station is completed, the train will not halt there.

The train will feature two air‑conditioned first‑class compartments with reserved seating. 

Passengers can book seats online via seatreservation.railway.gov.lk or at stations with reservation facilities. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated legal proceedings against a canteen operating inside the Colombo–Jaffna express train after officials uncovered the sale of drinking water bottles above the stipulated price.

During a raid conducted at the Anuradhapura Railway Station, CAA officers found that bottles marked at Rs. 120 were being sold for Rs. 150, exploiting passengers. 

Officials confirmed that legal action has been initiated against those responsible.

The CAA has also formally notified the Department of Railways in writing about the inconvenience caused to commuters by inflated prices in train canteens. 

Authorities revealed that four similar raids have been carried out recently, targeting canteens inside train compartments. (Newswire)

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The Railway Department has announced that passenger train services between Badulla and Nanu Oya will recommence from June 20, following the completion of restoration work on the line damaged by Cyclone Ditwah last year.

A landslide between the Nanu Oya and Ambewela stations had forced services to operate only between Ambewela and Badulla. 

According to the railway Department, repair work has now been fully completed, with a successful trial run conducted yesterday (17) at the affected site.

The National Building Research Organization, working in collaboration with the private sector, restored the damaged section under the supervision of the Railway Department. 

With the reopening, trains will once again run from Nanu Oya to Badulla, reinstating a vital transport link for passengers. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has launched a new online system to issue concessionary railway season tickets for government officials, marking another step in the National Digitalization Programme. 

The initiative was formally introduced today (09) under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena.

Under the programme, government institutions must register on the digital railway platform to apply for concessionary season tickets for their staff. 

At the inaugural event, officials representing 35 state institutions took part in the registration process.

Officials requiring concessionary passes will be able to register through the Pravesha mobile app or the www.pravesha.lk website, coordinated by their institution’s subject officer. 

Registered officials will be able to apply for July season tickets starting from June 15, 2026.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Highways together with Sri Lanka Railways and the Greater Colombo Railway Project. 

Authorities expect the initiative to make the national digital transformation programme a reality, while improving efficiency, service quality, and passenger convenience in the railway sector. (Newswire)

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The Railway Department has announced that several special train services will operate from May 30 – 31 to facilitate travel during the Vesak Full Moon Poya.

According to the department, the services are aimed at easing travel for devotees heading to Anuradhapura and for the public attending the State Vesak Festival at the ancient Raja Maha Vihara in Thihagoda, Midellawela, in Matara. 

The department confirmed that these additional train journeys will run over the two‑day Vesak period to accommodate the expected surge in passenger numbers.

Further details of the schedules and routes are as follows;

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A major accident was narrowly avoided when a train driver and a wildlife officer acted swiftly to prevent a collision with a wild elephant crossing the tracks between Habarana and Palugaswewa.

The incident occurred as the Batticaloa–Colombo train was travelling through the area. 

Mobile phone footage captured the elephant crossing the railway line, highlighting the tense moments as the train approached.

Thanks to the driver’s quick reflexes, the train was brought under control, averting disaster. 

At the same time, a wildlife officer travelling in the engine spotted the elephant and alerted the driver, ensuring another potential accident was avoided. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Railways has announced temporary changes to train operations on the Kelani Valley line as essential repair work is carried out at the Kota Road railway crossing, located between Baseline and Narahenpita stations.

The Department said the crossing will be closed and train services restricted during the maintenance period from 09.30 am on May 23 to 07.30 am on May 24.

On Saturday, May 23, three slow trains will depart from Narahenpita railway station to Avissawella, while traffic will be completely restricted at the Kotta Road railway crossing.

On Sunday, May 24, trains will not operate from Colombo Fort to Narahenpita stations on the Kelani Valley line, while three slow trains will operate from Narahenpita Station to Avissawella Station.

Sri Lanka Railways urged passengers to take note of the schedule changes and plan their journeys accordingly. (Newswire)

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Four persons have been reported injured in the train derailment between the Kelaniya and Wanawasala railway stations today (16).

According to the Police, the injured passengers have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. 

Train operations on the Main Line have been disrupted, while one track has been blocked after one of the carriages overturned on the railway line.

The train was reportedly travelling from Polgahawela to Colombo when the derailment occurred. (Newswire/ Image- Accident1st)

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Train operations on the Puttalam railway line have been limited to Chilaw station after several sections of track near Thilladi were submerged by floodwaters, the Railway Department announced.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the department said adverse weather conditions had inundated multiple points along the line, forcing services to be curtailed. 

Rising water levels are expected to continue, prompting the suspension of trains beyond Chilaw for both today and tomorrow (May 14).

As a result, the Puttalam office train and all other scheduled services will operate only between Colombo Fort and Chilaw today, while tomorrow morning trains will commence journeys from Chilaw station.

The Railway Department added that updates on train operations between Chilaw and Puttalam will be provided depending on weather and track conditions. (Newswire)

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Seat reservations can now be made for the iconic Yal Devi train service between Colombo Fort and Jaffna, which resumed operations today (11) after months of suspension.

Sri Lanka Railways confirmed that the service will run on a limited schedule. 

The train from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai departs at 6:40 am and arrives at 2:33 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. 

The return journey from Kankesanthurai to Colombo Fort departs at 10:30 am and arrives at 7:03 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Sri Lanka Railways states passengers can book seats online through the official reservation portal at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk.(Newswire)

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Train services have been disrupted following a derailment at the Dematagoda Railway Station today (04).

According to the Railway Department, train services have been disrupted from Colombo Fort to Kalutara South and Rambukkana. (Newswire)

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The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court yesterday (28) imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 on a vendor for selling drinking water bottles above the maximum retail price at the canteen of the ‘Meenagaya’ train.

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), investigations revealed that the stipulated maximum retail price for a 1000 ml water bottle is Rs. 100. 

However, the vendor had sold the bottles for Rs. 160, overcharging passengers on the Colombo to Batticaloa train by Rs. 60.

The raid was conducted by an investigating officer from the CAA, who posed as a regular customer and purchased the overpriced bottle before taking action. (Newswire/ AI image)

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Fourteen people have been confirmed killed and more than 80 injured in a collision involving two trains near the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, with rescue workers continuing efforts to free passengers trapped in the wreckage.

The crash late on Monday night occurred at Bekasi city’s rail station, adjoining Jakarta, between a commuter line train and a long-distance train, the spokesperson for the commuter line operator, Karina Amanda, told the Reuters news agency.

“Based on the latest data as of 08:45 WIB [Western Indonesian Time] (01:45 GMT), 14 people have been confirmed dead,” the state-owned KAI rail company said in a statement on Tuesday. Another 84 people have received hospital treatment, it added.

Emergency workers are actively working at the scene to free people who remain trapped in the wreckage, said Mohammad Syafii, the head of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS).

Syafii said efforts to rescue those still trapped in the wreckage were complicated by the limited space in which rescuers were working and the severe damage to the train carriages, according to local news outlet Kompas.com.

Emergency workers need to work “slowly” to cut away wreckage and free those trapped inside the mangled carriages, Syafii said, according to Kompas.com.

Rescuers disengaged the trains and were using angle grinders to cut through the metal framework of compartments to free passengers, according to reports at the scene of the accident.

Anne Purba, the spokeswoman for the state-owned railway operator KAI, had reported an initial toll of five people killed and 79 injured, which jumped to 14 dead on Tuesday morning.

Franoto Wibowo, a spokesman for KAI, said a taxi appears to have clipped the commuter train on a level crossing, causing it to come to a standstill on the tracks, where it was then hit by the long-distance train.

Kompas.com identified the trains involved as the Jakarta to Cikarang commuter train and the Argo Bromo Anggrek long-distance train, which is described as Indonesia’s premier high-speed train service between Jakarta and Surabaya. (Al Jazeera)

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