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Train Derails Near Vanawasala, Investigation Launched into Cause, 10 Injured
The Pulse
AccidentGeneralHOTSaturday, May 16, 2026

Train Derails Near Vanawasala, Investigation Launched into Cause, 10 Injured

TLDR
  • Train 507 derailed near Wanawasala; 10 injured, one carriage overturned.

  • Cause: Tampered railway point; one suspect arrested, another sought.

  • Rs. 1.7M+ damage; parts sold for Rs. 3,000; tracks repaired.

  • Union seeks night patrols after Rs. 2M+ loss.

An express train operating from Polgahawela to Colombo/South Kalutara derailed and overturned one carriage near Vanawasala early on May 16th. The incident, which occurred around 5:30 AM, led to 12 passengers sustaining injuries. These individuals were subsequently hospitalized, with some admitted to nearby private facilities and one transferred to the Colombo National Hospital. Authorities confirmed no fatalities were reported. The derailment has caused the blockage of one track, leading to disruptions in main line train services, with the train having departed Polgahawela at 3:25 AM.

9 Updates

Update #10\u00b7 May 21 · 1:16 AM

Sri Lanka Railways has begun assessing the damage caused by the derailment, with the process expected to conclude shortly. Nearly Rs. 1.7 million in damage has been assessed to the railway system, including approximately 200 feet of railway tracks, sleepers, and other line components. The damaged sections have now been repaired, though assessments are ongoing for the railway signaling system and train compartments. The incident occurred between Wanawasala and Kelaniya railway stations, with the train travelling from Polgahawela to South Kalutara.

Update #9\u00b7 May 18 · 12:34 AM

New reports indicate that the drug addict arrested in connection with the derailment, along with individuals who purchased the removed railway parts, have been remanded until the 29th. The incident resulted in damage to over 70 railway tracks, valued at more than Rs. 15,000.00. The Locomotive Engineers' Union has requested the Railway Department to reinstate night patrol services, stating that proper patrols could help prevent future accidents, and has also called for improved attention to driver communication protocols during train operations. The derailment occurred approximately 100 meters from Vanawasala station.

Update #8\u00b7 May 17 · 8:02 AM

New reports indicate that three injured passengers are currently receiving hospital treatment, with one discharged yesterday and others today. The derailment has caused a financial loss of over Rs. 2 million to the Railway Signaling Department. It has also been revealed that the individuals who removed the railway track parts sold them for approximately Rs. 3,000.

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