27 November 2019 05:20 pm
The train services on the Nothern Railway Line was temporarily halted due to the derailment of the Colombo-bound Yal Devi express train from Kankesanthurai (KKS) / Jaffna this afternoon, The Railways Department said.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the Railways Superintendent (Transportation) A. D. G. Seneviratne said the rail track was badly damaged and two compartments had toppled.
The derailment had taken place between Galgamuwa and Ambanpola stations causing heavy damage to five compartments, he said.
At the time of the derailment, the train was heading to Mount Lavinia from Kankesanthurai (KKS) and Jaffna.
As the result of this, the Department had decided to suspend all train services starting from Colombo Fort this evening until further notice.
He said the night mail train which was scheduled to leave from Fort had also been cancelled.
Decisions would be taken to make appropriate arrangements for the commuters to bypass the derailment area to reach Colombo, Mr. Seneviratne added.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Galgamuwa Hospital said two persons were hospitalised with minor injuries. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)