Special trains, buses for Esela Siri devotees

Irangika RANGE

The Railways Department in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) will operate special train and bus services for devotees attending the 'Esela Siri 2009' festival in Kataragama.

Sri Lanka Railways Commercial Superintendent Vijaya Samarasinghe told the Daily News that plans to commence the special bus and train services from July 22 will continue until August 06.

The Railways Department has taken measures to operate extra trains on the coastal railway line from Maradana to Matara while special train services from Colombo Fort to Bandarawela through Haputale will be operated.

Meanwhile, the SLTB will operate special bus services to transport devotees from Matara to Kataragama while pilgrims who arrive in Bandarawela by train will be transported to Kataragama in special buses. Return journeys will also be arranged. Special trains will leave Maradana station at 6.30a.m., 8.07am, 9.50 a.m.,1.40 p.m., 3.40 p.m., 4.40 p.m. and 5.50 p.m. to Matara.

The return journey will begin from Matara at 4.20 a.m., 5.20 a.m., 5.50 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 1.10 p.m. and 2.05 p.m. to Maradana station.

For the benefit of commuters travelling by train on the main line, the Railways Department will commence three trains from Colombo Fort at 5.55 a.m., 9.45a.m. and 8.00 p.m to Bandarawela. The return journey will begin from Bandarawela at 7.18a.m., 10.20 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. to Colombo Fort.

The Railways Department has also taken measures to provide lodging to devotees at selected railway stations.