Badulla-Ambewela Train Service Resumes After 23 Days; Deputy Minister Joins Papare Dance in Celebration

 Resuming operations on the Upcountry railway line, which had been crippled for nearly 23 days due to the 'Ditwa' disaster, a special train ran between Badulla and Ambewela today (20). This inaugural journey marked the restoration of train services that had been temporarily halted following severe damage to the Upcountry railway line.

Accordingly, the special Upcountry Manike train (SPL 1016) with Class S14 power sets commenced its journey from Badulla Railway Station at 9:00 AM today, and its return journey from Ambewela to Badulla took place at 9:30 AM. A massive effort was undertaken by various parties, including employees of the Sri Lanka Railways Department, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO),

various volunteer organizations, and the political authority, to swiftly restore this severely damaged section of the track following the disaster.

As the Upcountry railway line is considered the backbone of the country's tourism industry and a primary choice for local and foreign tourists visiting popular destinations like Nuwara Eliya and Ella, steps were taken to complete these restoration efforts expeditiously. With the resumption of train services, the Railway Department plans to operate several train journeys between Badulla and Ambewela starting today.

Minister Samantha Vidyaratne, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, and others were present to observe this special occasion.
Papare bands were brought to the railway station to celebrate the joy of the moment, and Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe was seen performing a 'Papare Dance' with foreign nationals.
The video of this event can be found CLICK HERE