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President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday ceremonially inaugurated the Yal Devi train service to Jaffna after a lapse of 24 years.
The Railway Department under the Ministry of Transport and with financial assistance from the Indian government under the Indian Line of Credit embarked on this massive project of restoring the Northern rail tracks to restart the train services connecting the North and South.
The railway track which was totally destroyed by LTTE terrorists consists of three main rail bridges, including the longest bridge at Navatkuli. There are four crossing stations between Pallai and Jaffna located in Kodikamam, Chavakachcheri, Navatkuli and Jaffna. The Jaffna Railway Station has also been especially reconstructed with modern facilities while preserving its ancient architecture with financial assistance provided by the Bank of Ceylon.
The reconstructed Jaffna Railway station.
The Jaffna Railway station all spruced up for the momentous occasion.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Douglas Devananda, Secretary to the President
Lalith Weeratunga and other special invitees on board the Yal Devi train.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen greeting the crowds on board the Yal Devi train.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen greeting the crowds on board the Yal Devi train.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Y. K. Sinha are seen in conversation aboard the Yal Devi train. Minister Douglas Devananda is also in the picture.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa being given a traditional welcome at the Jaffna Railway station. Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Y.K.Sinha is also in the picture.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen purchasing a ticket before boarding the Yal Devi train. Ministers Kumara Welgama and Douglas Devananda are also in the picture.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen being welcomed at the Pallai Railway station.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Y. K. Sinha and Minister Douglas Devananda in conversation.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen waving to the massive crowd gathered on the platform of the Pallai Railway station.
The Yal Devi train leaving the Pallai Railway station.
The Yal Devi train.
Pictures by President’s Media Unit
Alhamdulillah it is indeed a pleasure seeing the Jaffna Railway Station and Yal Devi back in action. I was proud to be involved in constructing the Jaffna Railway Station in early 60s as Assistant District Engineer and later as District Engineer under the famous Chief Engineer N A Vaitialingam. Three years ago when i visited the devastated Railway Station I was in tears and today I am much pleased and thankful to Allah and to all concerned to see the the structure, the platforms including the cantilevered roof and the track back in action.