The Hon. K. Kader Masthan

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker,

¶ 02 The Northern Province railway services have been revenue-generating within our system. On that basis, and considering the needs of the people of that region, I raise the following questions under Standing Order 27(2) to the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation:

¶ 03 1. Are you aware that the “Sridevi” train operated Colombo–Kankesanthurai and Kankesanthurai–Colombo and that, after 2020 (post-COVID), it was suspended? Can it be resumed?

¶ 04 2. Are you aware that the “Uthradevi” train operated Colombo–Kankesanthurai and Kankesanthurai–Colombo, and that it was suspended in 2023 for track development? Even though the track development is complete and other train services are operating, this service has not been resumed. Can it be restarted?

¶ 05 3. Are you aware that the “Rajarata Rejini” train, which operated as a two-way service Matara–Colombo–Anuradhapura–Vavuniya and back, is now limited only up to Anuradhapura? Can this service be extended up to Vavuniya? Around 8.00 p.m., when that train arrives at Anuradhapura, nearly 400 passengers daily proceed to Vavuniya by bus, which is a major inconvenience. Since there are facilities to stable trains at the Vavuniya station, please arrange the train to proceed to Vavuniya as before and depart back the following morning.

¶ 06 4. Are you aware that the air-conditioned express service on Colombo–Kankesanthurai and Kankesanthurai–Colombo operates only on Saturdays and Sundays? Can this be operated on all weekdays as well? Can the Kankesanthurai-originating service be extended up to Kalutara?

¶ 07 5. I thank you for extending the night mail train from Kankesanthurai to Moratuwa. Are you aware that the currently operating “Yal Devi” earlier ran up to Kalutara but is now limited to Colombo Fort? Can it again be extended up to Kalutara?

¶ 08 As I said at the outset, Northern Province railway services generated significant income. Suspensions occurred during COVID and track upgrades. If the services I mentioned are regularized, it will greatly benefit not only Northern residents but all rail users.