SLPP’s Cassilingam urges for better Jaffna train timings to improve connectivity

Colombo, June 11 (Daily Mirror) - While welcoming the resumption of the long-awaited Colombo–Jaffna train services, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Jaffna District Organizer Geethanath Cassilingam has urged authorities to address concerns over inconvenient train schedules and difficulties faced by the public in obtaining tickets.

Describing the restored rail service as a vital transport link connecting the North and South, Cassilingam extended his congratulations to both the Sri Lankan and Indian governments for reviving the project.

“I am glad to see the resumption of the much-awaited Colombo–Jaffna train services, which serve as a vital transport route for citizens in the North and South. My heartiest congratulations to the Sri Lankan and Indian governments for resuming this important project,” he said.

However, Cassilingam noted that many passengers travelling to and from Jaffna have found the current train schedules inconvenient and called on authorities to review the timings to better suit the needs of commuters.

He further pointed out that despite train travel being one of the most affordable and preferred modes of transport to the Northern Province, obtaining tickets remains a major challenge for ordinary passengers.

According to Cassilingam, a significant number of seats are allocated in advance through government servant warrant reservations, leaving limited opportunities for the general public to secure tickets.

He urged the government and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake to look into the issue and introduce more convenient travel schedules while ensuring fairer access to tickets.

Cassilingam also highlighted a strong public demand for a morning train departing from Jaffna, enabling passengers to travel to Colombo, attend to official or personal matters, and return home on the same day.

“Public transport should serve the people first, making travel easier, safer and more accessible for everyone,” he added.