The main train guard of the Jaffna-to-Colombo ‘Yal Devi’ express train was arrested yesterday (25) at the Anuradhapura Railway Station after he was allegedly found to be intoxicated while on duty. The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:30 PM when the train pulled into the Anuradhapura station, prompted immediate action from railway authorities.

According to railway officials, the Anuradhapura Station Master received a tip-off that the guard in charge of the train was under the influence of alcohol. The Station Master promptly alerted the Railway Security Department, whose officers subsequently intervened and took the 44-year-old guard into custody. The suspect is reportedly a resident of the Mount Mary Railway Quarters in Borella. Following his arrest, the guard was presented to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) for examination before being transferred to the train guards’ rest house in Anuradhapura.

The Anuradhapura Station Master confirmed that the Railway Department will launch a full investigation into the incident and that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the employee involved. Despite the disruption caused by the arrest, officials at the Anuradhapura station acted swiftly to ensure minimal impact on passenger services. A replacement guard was immediately assigned to the ‘Yal Devi’, allowing the train to resume its journey to Colombo Fort without any significant delay.