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Rail travel along the Colombo–Puttalam corridor returned to normal early this morning (16), bringing an end to disruptions triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
The Department of Railways confirmed on the 15th that the remaining stretch between Chilaw and Puttalam would be reopened today, allowing uninterrupted train operations from Colombo Fort to Puttalam.
Rail services on the Puttalam line had been halted after the cyclone caused widespread damage to infrastructure. Restoration work was carried out in phases, with trains first resuming up to Negombo, Kochchikade, Nattandiya and Kudawa, before services were later extended as far as Chilaw on December 29.
Railway officials said the section beyond Chilaw faced the most severe impact. Parts of the track were washed away near the Baththuluoya bridge between Chilaw and Puttalam, a landslide blocked the line close to the Thillayadi substation, and several rail segments were swept into the Deduru Oya near the Manuwangama substation.
The full reopening was marked by the departure of the 4.00 a.m. train from Colombo Fort today, which became the first passenger service to complete the entire journey to Puttalam since the cyclone, signaling the complete restoration of operations on the line.
