Railway authorities have announced that train services between Palaviya and Chilaw stations will resume as usual from tomorrow (19).
The disaster caused significant damage to Sri Lanka’s railway network, prompting the Department of Railways to take swift action to restore affected routes. As a result, operations on most damaged lines have already recommenced.
Several sections of the main Puttalam–Chilaw railway line were completely destroyed, particularly in the areas of Thiladiya, Bathkalu Oya, and Manuwangamuwa, where the track had broken apart, forcing a temporary suspension of train services.
Under an emergency restoration project, the Railway Department began repair work on the affected sections using advanced machinery and technical equipment. The damaged railway tracks and bridge systems were fully reconstructed to ensure safe operations.
Railway engineers and staff from multiple departments contributed to the restoration efforts. A test train journey was conducted to inspect the repaired track before reopening it for public use.
The completion of the project within such a short timeframe has been described as a major achievement.
