News
Once bustling Kandy railway station stands in eerie silence since Ditwah
The iconic Kandy Railway Station, which once bustled with thousands of commuters daily, now stands in eerie silence, having remained deserted for the past six months. This desolation follows the catastrophic destruction of the railway line caused by the ‘Ditwah’ cyclone in November 2025, which triggered unprecedented flooding and landslides across the Central Highlands.
The most critical damage occurred when the Mahaweli River breached its banks, severely compromising the structural integrity of the historic iron bridge on the Peradeniya-Kandy railway line. Consequently, all train operations on the route were brought to an immediate and complete standstill.
Compounding the grim scene at the station are five passenger trains that have been left stranded on the platforms for the past half-year. Railway officials have stated that until the aging iron bridge over the Mahaweli River is fully restored and certified for safety, it will be impossible to resume train services from Kandy to the Upcountry or Colombo regions.
Joint Trade Unions of the Railway Department confirmed that all daily train services originating from Kandy to other provinces remain suspended due to this disaster. The ongoing disruption has severely impacted thousands of commuters, including government employees, schoolchildren, university students, and the business community, who now face immense hardships daily travel.
By S.K. Samaranayake
News
Ceylon College of Physicians’ 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions this week
The 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions of the Ceylon College of Physicians will be held from 16th to 19th of September 2026 at Shangri-La, Colombo. Professor Namal Wijesinghe, the president of the college and the council of the Ceylon College of physicians said that the sessions bring together experienced physicians, academics, researchers, postgraduate trainees and other healthcare professionals from all over the globe. The programme provides opportunities to discuss recent advances in medicine, emerging challenges in healthcare and developments that have the potential to improve patient care.
An important feature of the College’s academic vision is the strengthening of relationships with international professional colleges and medical institutions. The Royal College of Physicians of London, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, European Federation of Internal Medicine, College of Physicians of Malaysia, Association of Physicians of India, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, Association of Physicians of Bangladesh and Society of Internal Medicine of Nepal are officially collaborating with the Ceylon College of Physicians in organising 59th Anniversary Academic Sessions.
These international collaborations provide opportunities for the exchange of expertise, collaborative research, professional development and exposure to different approaches to healthcare and medical education. Interaction with international colleagues can broaden professional perspectives, encourage research collaboration and create opportunities for academic and career development.
At the same time, Sri Lankan physicians have much to contribute to the international medical community through their clinical experience, research and expertise.
The Anniversary Academic Sessions also highlight the importance of research in advancing healthcare. The presentation and discussion of research findings encourage evidence-based practice and provide researchers with opportunities to establish new academic collaborations. Encouraging young physicians to engage in research and scholarship remains an important investment in the future of the profession.
News
Airmen who killed deer up a gum tree
Five Air Force personnel, including a junior officer, have been arrested for allegedly killing a deer in the Mattala area. Air Force headquarters confirmed the arrest of the group attached to the Mattala detachment.
According to Mattala Police, the Airmen allegedly shot the deer, within the premises of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, and sold the meat to civilians in the area. Police have also arrested two civilians who allegedly bought the venison.
An Air Force vehicle, allegedly used to transport the meat, and a motorcycle used by the officer, have also been taken into police custody. Police have reportedly recovered the venison, a deer skull and firearms allegedly used in the shooting.
News
Rotary board for the year 2026-2027
President Chathuri Ranasinghe, and members of the Board are: Sriyantha Senaratne, Lasika Jayamaha, Shanta Gunaratne, Jayendra Pinidiyapathirag, Anjali Walisundara, Amjath Yusoof, Ranjini Goonetilleke, Asif Shukri Asoka Peiris, Justin Meegod Dayani Panagoda, Anthea Senaratne, Ariya Wcirema, Shewantha Rodrigo, Tusitha Kumarakulasinhm, Marshad Barry, Lucien Pereira, Haneekah Rahil, Dahara de Costa.
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