Special trains for Sripada pilgrims

Irangika RANGE

The Railways Department in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) will operate special train and bus services for devotees who attend the pilgrimage to the Sacred Sri Pada.

The annual Sri Pada pilgrim season began with the dawn of Unduwap Full Moon Poya Day Monday and will end on full moon Poya day in May next year.

Sri Lanka Railways Commercial Superintendent Vijaya Samarasinghe told the Daily News that plans have been drawn to commence eight special train services for the convenience of local as well as foreign visitors to Sri Pada.

A special train service from Colombo Fort to Hatton will operate in addition to normal train services to Hatton from the Colombo Fort daily.

The SLTB will operate special bus services to transport devotees who arrive in Hatton by train from all parts of the country to Nallathanni.

They will be transported to Nallathanni in special buses. Return journeys will also be arranged.

Meanwhile, measures have been taken to upgrade the facilities at the Hatton railway station. It has been proposed to set up a pilgrims' guest house attached to the Hatton railway station for the convenience of Sri Pada devotees.