Nallur devotees hit by poor transport; Minister’s pledge remains derailed

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 30, 2026

Thousands of devotees attending the Nallur Kandaswamy temple festival in Jaffna are facing severe transportation shortages due to limited train services and unfulfilled government promises to increase travel options. This disruption has led to overcrowded trains and sold-out private bus tickets, prompting criticism of transport authorities for failing to accommodate the surge of pilgrims during this major cultural event.

Thousands of devotees have gathered in Jaffna for the annual Nallur Kandaswamy temple festival, attracting participants from both the local region and the Sri Lankan diaspora. Despite the intense heat, this year’s event has seen a notably large turnout of worshippers. However, many attendees are facing significant challenges due to insufficient transportation options, particularly in rail services connecting the northern city with Colombo and other parts of the country.

The difficulties come amid high demand during the festival period, which typically prompts an increase in travel between the south and north of Sri Lanka. Last month, Highways and Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake committed to deploying additional trains and buses to accommodate the rise in festival travelers. That promise, however, has not yet been fulfilled, leaving many passengers grappling with overcrowded trains.

Currently, train services between Jaffna and Colombo remain limited, with the Department of Railways recently announcing that the daily express train will operate only four days a week. This reduction has compounded travel challenges for devotees who must rely on fewer options during peak times. Some passengers report having to endure long journeys in cramped third-class compartments, with one Colombo resident describing a trip where he stood from Colombo to Vavuniya before sharing a bench with multiple other travelers.

Private air-conditioned buses have seen a surge in bookings, with tickets selling out weeks in advance due to the scarcity of train options. While additional bus permits have been issued to meet demand, travelers and observers question why expanded train services have yet to be arranged given the high volume of pilgrims attending the festival.

The failure to increase railway capacity during the Nallur Kandaswamy festival has drawn criticism from devotees who view the situation as a missed opportunity to improve travel convenience and safety during one of Jaffna’s most significant cultural events. Transport authorities have not provided an explanation for the delay in implementing the promised measures as the festival continues to draw large crowds.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.