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

The Buddha Abhivandana Vesak Festival will be held in Panadura from May 30 to June 2 to mark the 2570th Buddhahood anniversary. This is being organized under the leadership of the Buddhist Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandals of Panadura North and South with the support of government and private institutions.

In conjunction with Vesak week, a special series of sermons will be held for school children to promote good values. On May 30, the Vesak Poya Day, a Shila Bhavana (Meditation) program with the participation of everyone will be held at the Panadura Galgoda Sri Maha Viharaya, as the main focus, and at all other temples in the area. On the same day, an exhibition of sacred relics and a blessing Bodhi Pooja will also be held at the Panadura Ran Koth Viharaya.

On the evening of May 31, two religious processions consisting of Dhamma school children led by the Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala are scheduled to arrive in Panadura town. One procession will arrive in Panadura from Pallimulla and the other from Pinwatte. Furthermore, a series of Vesak Sadaha Gee programs will be presented in the Panadura city center from May 31st to June 2nd. A special lantern exhibition will also be held at several selected locations, including the Sudarshana Devarama Temple, and prizes will be awarded for the best lanterns selected from the exhibition. The Buddhabhivandana Vesak Zone Organization has made arrangements to hold Vesak lanterns, special light pujas, Vesak pandals, and dhansals throughout the city for the people who will be visiting during these few days.

A consignment of 134 single cabs gifted  by the Government of India under the Indo–Sri Lanka Friendship Programme for the use of the Sri Lanka Police was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday (25) morning  at the Presidential Secretariat.

The Government of India has incurred an expenditure of approximately LKR.300 million for this initiative and the vehicles are scheduled to be distributed among police stations in the Northern Province.

Speaking at the occasion, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha stated that similar assistance would continue to be extended to Sri Lanka in the future.

In appreciation of this gift by the Government of India, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya presented a commemorative memento to Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, General Manager of DIMO Rajeev Pandithage, officials of the Indian High Commission and senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police were also present at the occasion.

(PMD)