The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association (SLSMA) has stated that, although more than a month has passed since the completion of reconstruction work on the Talaimannar railway line, which was damaged during Cyclone Ditwah, necessary measures have not yet been taken to resume train services on the line.

The General Secretary of the Association, Kasun Chamara Jayasekara stated that the Railway Department had temporarily suspended train operations on the Talaimannar line after several sections of the track were washed away due to the disaster.

However, the Association noted that officers and employees attached to the railway track maintenance sector have already restored the damaged sections of the line to a condition suitable for train operations at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Previously, several train services operated daily along the Talaimannar line, including two morning services and the night mail train. These services were widely used by residents of the Northern Province, members of the security forces, and pilgrims travelling to the Madhu Church.

The trade union further stated that commuters have faced significant inconvenience due to the delay in resuming operations, with reasons such as locomotive shortages being cited for the continued suspension of services.

Accordingly, the association has urged the authorities to take immediate steps to recommence train operations on the Talaimannar railway line, where reconstruction work has already been completed.