Jaffna Bound ‘Yal Devi’ Express Train Resumes

Sri Lanka’s iconic Yal Devi Express resumed services on 11 May 2026, further strengthening railway connectivity to the Northern Province.

Accordingly, the Yal Devi Express will operate three times a week between Colombo Fort and the northern city Kankesanthurai (KKS).

The train departs from Colombo Fort on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6:40 a.m. for its northbound journey.

The return service from KKS operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, departing at 10:30 a.m.

Timetable: Colombo Fort to KKS

Colombo Fort – 6:40 a.m.
Anuradhapura – 10:50 a.m.
Vavuniya – 11:35 a.m.
Jaffna – 2:10 p.m.
KKS – 2:33 p.m.

Timetable: KKS to Colombo Fort

KKS – 10:30 a.m.
Jaffna – 11:00 a.m.
Vavuniya – 1:35 p.m.
Anuradhapura – 2:40 p.m.
Colombo Fort – 7:03 p.m.

Air-Conditioned Compartments

The Yal Devi Express includes four air-conditioned first-class compartments.

Passengers can reserve seats in the air-conditioned section through the Sri Lanka Railways booking system.

The Colombo Fort–KKS route is one of the longest train journeys in Sri Lanka and travels through several diverse geographical regions across the island.