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| Sunday, 23 April 2006 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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A tribute to the wonderful 'three sisters' by Chamitha Kuruppu
Since their inception the country has gone through many changes, economically, politically, culturally and technologically. But these three sisters still run their journey that commenced half a century ago.
The railway service that started for freight transportation gradually expanding its passenger transport network, combined with the patriotic and nationalistic feelings of Sri Lankans that emerged during the mid 1950s and led to the commencement of the three train services. Yal Devi plying from Colombo to Jaffna, Udarata Menike from Colombo to Badulla and Ruhunu Kumarifrom Colombo to Matara soon became one of the most relished transportation modes in the country.
These three sisters soon joined hands with Rajarata Menike, Uthara Devi, Samudhra Devi and Galu Kumari, making train travel the most preferred transportation method even before road transportation was nationalised. Till then, millions of commuters have boarded these trains to be home with their loved ones, to reach work on time and even for mere leisure purposes.
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| Produced by Lake House |
The country pays tribute to three wonderful sisters tomorrow . A token of
appreciation for a countless service that endured the past fifty years - for
serving millions of Sri Lankans, irrespective of their caste and creed. 
Udarata Menike, Ruhunu Kumariand Yal Devi, our very own three sisters
started their maiden voyage on April 23, 1956. After 92 years the first
train started its journey on December 27, 1864 from Colombo Terminal to
Ambepussa. 
Thanks to these three express trains it was believed that a commuter who
boards the Ruhunu Kumari from Matara after breakfast would reach Jaffna for
dinner. The names of these trains clearly indicate the cultural significance
of each route and have been named so from time immemorial. 
Today, after fifty years the nation owes gratitude to these three
wonderful beauties. Let the authorities once again focus and concentrate on
establishing a dynamic and faster railway service in the country, the
biggest tribute the nation could pay for the endless service of the once
glorified Udarata Menike, Ruhunu Kumari and Yal Devi.
