Train Routes

Major population centres and tourist destinations are connected by rail. Service began in 1864 with the construction of the Main Line from Colombo to Ambepussa. Sri Lanka railway network consist of 9 lines. :

Main Line

The Main Line begins in Colombo and runs east and north past the developing centres of Ragama, Ganemulla Gampaha, Veyangoda, Mirigama, Ambepussa and Polgahawela. At Rambukkana, the line begins a steep climb into the hills. The track runs along the edge of sheer cliffs between Balana and Kadugannawa, allowing passengers a view of Batalegala. The line then continues climbing through tea country, connecting market centers at Gampola, Nawalapitiya and Hatton before reaching Nanu Oya. This is the connection to the former colonial resort of Nuwara Eliya, still visited for its temperate climate, classic hotels and British-style gardens. The Main Line reaches its summit at Pattipola, 6,226 feet (1,898 m) above sea level, before descending past Bandarawela to Badulla. Passengers can view tea gardens, mountains, valleys and waterfalls.

Coastal line

The coastal line runs south from Colombo, following the Indian Ocean, with views of tropical beaches and coconut palm trees. It links the regional centres of Moratuwa, Panadura and Kalutara, and beach resorts at Aluthgama, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa. The line continues past Galle (known for its historic, preserved Dutch fort), ending in Beliatta.

From 1895 to 2013, the line ended in Matara. From 2013 to 2019, the China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation extended the line to Beliatta in phase one of the Southern Railway project; it was the first new railway built in Sri Lanka since its independence from Great Britain in 1948. Phase two will serve Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota, and phase three will reach Kataragama; in April 2019, they had not yet begun construction.

Puttalam line

The Puttalam line branches off the Main Line at Ragama, extending north past Kandana Ja-Ela, Seeduwa, Katunayake (Colombo International Airport) and Negombo (a commercial