The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association has warned that the up-country railway line is at risk, revealing alarming details about the current situation.
The Association states that renovation work on the Peradeniya railway bridge on the up-country railway line has currently been suspended. In addition, it says that no plans have yet been made to begin repairs on the railway track between Rambukkana and Kadugannawa.
Issuing a media statement, the Association explained that although the government initially proposed constructing a new double bridge to replace the Peradeniya railway bridge on the up-country line that was damaged by landslides, plans were later changed to renovate the old bridge instead.
The Association also stated that although the government announced that train services to Kandy would resume in April 2026, the necessary work has still not begun.
It further noted that although the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) became involved in the renovation work with government intervention, the Railway Engineering Technical Committee concluded that the work did not meet the required standards. As a result, renovation work on the Peradeniya railway bridge has now been halted.
Accordingly, the Railway Department has proposed calling for a fresh report on the future work related to the bridge.
The Association also pointed out in its statement that certain actions of the current General Manager of Railways have contributed to these problems. They allege that the situation has worsened because the General Manager is an officer from the Administrative Service rather than a railway technical professional.
The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association further accuses the current General Manager of attempting to reduce costs by cutting train services based on a simplistic approach aimed at showing the Railway Department as profitable.
The Association states that the inability of departmental officials to express their views, and the General Manager’s failure to listen to the opinions of other officers, have not only brought disrepute to the present government but have also caused serious hardship to railway passengers.
Accordingly, the Association has requested the relevant authorities to urgently restore normal railway operations by appointing a committee of retired engineers who previously served as General Managers of Railways and have experience within the Railway Department.