Special train service from Matara to Mihintale for Poson pilgrims

The Railways Department will operate a special train service from Matara to Mihintale on June 17 for pilgrims travelling to the sacred city for the Poson festival.

According to the Transport Ministry, the free train service named Sadaham Charika will commence from Matara at 7 pm on the day before the Poson Full Moom Poya (June 17) and leave Mihintale at 10 pm the following day for Colombo Fort.

Arrangements have been made to provide pilgrims with tea and other beverages at main railway stations, while Buddhist monks will chant Pirith throughout the journey.

Pilgrims taking part in the Sadaham Charika, organised to invoke blessings on the Armed Forces, the people and victims of the Peraliya train tragedy, will also receive Buddhist mementos for their participation.

The journey will commence from Matara under the patronage of Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma.