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Trains on track up to Aluthgama
To Batti, Trinco soon
By Santhush Fernando
The Railway Department will extend its services up to Aluthgama from today and would resume its regular operations by the end of this month. Railways General Manager Priyal de Silva told The Sunday Times that from today the Department will resume its regular operations to Aluthgama and if possible up to Ambalangoda.

The initial train would leave to Aluthgama from Maradana at 4.50 pm. "At present trains operate up to Kalutara from Colombo and from Matara to Talpe", Mr. de Silva said.

Four trains operating daily between Matara and Talpe would be extended up to Galle by the end of next week. The stretch of rail track between Talpe and Ambalangoda was the worst affected and earth fillings would have to be done in Hikkaduwa.

Mr. de Silva said train services up to Batticaloa and Trincomalee too would resume in the near future. A formal inquiry was under way to inquire into the catastrophe at Telwatte in Ambalangoda that cost the lives of more than a thousand commuters. The total damage to the train was estimated to be rupees 72 million. Railway authorities are hoping to set up a Railway Museum in the vicinity.

However, due to the actions of railway staff, five other trains and the lives of 3,000 commuters were saved, Mr. de Silva said.

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