More buses, trains for New Year says Transport Ministry

Additional buses and trains will be run next week during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year season, Transport Ministry Secretary Nihal Somaweera said.

A telephone line has also been opened for the public to inquire about transport arrangements for the New Year, he said. The public can contact the Chief Operations Manager on 011 2581579 for further information.

Central Transport Board chairman Tudor Dayaratne said 1542 additional trips would be made by State buses during the New Year season, over and above the daily 1678 trips. Sri Lanka Railways has announced it would run special long distance services. On April 11, 13 and 15 a special train is scheduled leave Colombo Fort at 9.00 p.m. for Hatton while a train is scheduled to leave Hatton for Colombo Fort at the same time on the same days. A special train is scheduled to leave Colombo Fort at 7.30 p.m. on April 12 for Bandarawela and return at 8.30 a.m. on April 13 from Bandarawela.

On April 15 a special train is scheduled to leave Colombo Fort at 11.00 a.m. for Badulla and return on April 16 at 7.30 a.m. from Badulla. A special train is scheduled to leave Colombo Fort at 5.40 a.m. on April 12 for Matara and return at 11.30 a.m. on April 13 from Matara.