The Department of Railways announced that all train services between Batticaloa and Colombo Fort have been cancelled today (17). 

Six daily trains operate on this route, but services have been suspended following an accident early this morning.

The incident took place between the Minneriya and Higurakgoda railway stations when the train, en route from the Kolonnawa petroleum storage terminal to Batticaloa, struck a herd of wild elephants. 

Authorities are working to assess the situation and clear the tracks, while no timeline has been provided yet for the resumption of services.