Train services on the Colombo–Puttalam railway line, which were suspended due to damage from Cyclone Ditwah, resumed early this morning (16). 

The Railway Department announced that the line is now fully operational, with trains running from Colombo Fort to Puttalam.

Service disruptions occurred after severe damage, including washed-away tracks near Baththuluoya bridge, landslides near Thillayadi, and washouts into Deduru Oya near Manuwangama. 

Over time, services were gradually extended to stations at Negombo, Kochchikade, Nattandiya, Kudawa, and Chilaw.

The first passenger train from Colombo Fort to Puttalam departed at 4:00 a.m., symbolizing the official restart of passenger services. 

A staff train scheduled from Puttalam to Colombo Fort earlier ran without passengers due to a technical fault.