In commemoration of the centenary of the Colombo-Badulla Railway, the new train 'Dunhinda Odyssey' commenced its inaugural journey from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Badulla on the morning of 5th April 2024, under the patronage of Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Media.
The centenary celebration of the Colombo-Badulla railway was held today in Badulla with great pomp and circumstance. The new 'Dunhinda Odyssey' train, which departed from Colombo Fort, carried invited guests and media personnel to Badulla. The Minister of Transport, Highways, and Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, joined the inaugural journey on the 'Dunhinda Odyssey' up to Veyangoda Railway Station, and then continued his journey to Badulla on the 'Viceroy' train.
In addition to the Dunhinda Odyssey, another luxurious train named the Viceroy also carried special guests from Nanu Oya to Badulla to commemorate the centenary. Furthermore, the open-air observation train 'Calypso' joined the centenary celebration. The Calypso train was officially dedicated to public service by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena.
The Calypso train is specifically designed for sightseeing and is equipped with amenities such as food and music. Its unique feature is the scenic journey from Nanu Oya to Badulla, passing through breathtaking landscapes. The Colombo-Badulla railway has become a major attraction for both local and foreign tourists. Due to its appeal to foreign tourists, it brings significant benefits to the Sri Lankan economy and foreign exchange earnings.
The Ministry of Transport and Highways, along with the Railway Department, organized this centenary celebration. The Ministry of Tourism and the Uva Provincial Tourism Ministry also contributed to the event. To commemorate the centenary of the Colombo-Badulla railway, the postal department issued a new stamp worth Rs. 25. The celebration, led by Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Engineer Ranjith Rubasinghe, and senior officials from the ministry and its affiliated institutions, as well as the Uva Provincial Political Authority.