‘Yakada Yaka’ slowly chugging back on track View(s):Pix and text by Rekha Tharangani FonsekaRepairs of the railway bridge near the Sarasavi Uyana station popularly known as ‘Yaka Palama’ or Devil’s Bridge damaged by the flood that followed Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ is in progress, Superintendent of the Upper Railway Line, Danushka Dissanayake told the Sunday Times. The bridge renovation work is being carried out under the supervision of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya; the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) and Central Engineering Services Limited (CESL). He said that while speed limits are being imposed on the Northern Line, Upcountry Line only operates to Rambukkana from Colombo Fort. Accordingly, train services to Kankasanthurai and Batticaloa will operate with speed limits. He also said that the Railway Department has taken steps to reconstruct the Kala Oya Bridge with the support of various parties and the tri-forces.

Source: Sunday Times January 11, 2026 02:45 UTC