Transport Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena announced that the schedule of the Batticaloa night mail train has been revised in an effort to prevent elephant-train collisions, prioritising wildlife safety over operational convenience and revenue.
Speaking to the media yesterday, the Deputy Minister said the departure time from Colombo Fort has been changed from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., aiming to reduce accidents involving elephants, particularly in areas where herds cross railway tracks during nighttime.
“We understand the change may inconvenience passengers and cause financial losses to Sri Lanka Railways, but protecting elephants is imperative,” he stated.
He added that the train engine has been replaced with a power set, which offers wider front visibility for the driver, allowing for earlier detection of elephants on the tracks. “This will help drivers react swiftly and prevent collisions,” he said.
Deputy Minister Gunasena stressed that while the measure may not completely eliminate the problem, it is a crucial step toward ensuring both rail safety and wildlife conservation.
