The crew of the ‘Sagarika’ train, which derailed on 24 April during its journey from Beliatta to Maradana, have been suspended from work with immediate effect. 

The Sagarika train derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on 24 April, causing disruptions  to  coastal line train services.

An internal communication within the Department of Railways, which was seen by The Daily Morning, confirmed that the train driver, assistant driver, head guard, and under guard have been suspended pending further inquiries.

The derailed train was successfully placed back on the tracks and later moved to the Wadduwa Railway Station premises. Most of the damage caused by the derailment had been repaired, and the remaining restoration work was expected to be completed shortly.

However, the same Sagarika train derailed again on 25 April after being restored to service. The second derailment occurred at the Kompannavidiya Railway Station, resulting in further disruption to services along the Coastal Line.

Due to the incident, train services were operating on a single track between the Colombo Fort Railway Station and the Wellawatte Railway Station.

General Manager of Railways Ravindra Pathmapriya was not available for comment.