National railway museum

The National Railway Museum in Kadugannawa displays locomotives, train cars, and machinery from 150 years of Sri Lankan rail history. The exhibits span from steam-powered engines to contemporary rail equipment and show the evolution of transport technology.

Rail transport arrived in Sri Lanka in 1864 and transformed how the island was connected. The museum was established to preserve and tell the story of this long railway heritage.

The museum shows how railways shaped daily life in Sri Lanka and connected distant towns and villages. The displays reveal the important role trains played in bringing people and goods across the island.

The museum is easy to reach and well accessible from the capital. Visitors should allow enough time to explore the different sections and detailed displays at a comfortable pace.

The museum features a working model railway display with miniature versions of famous Sri Lankan landmarks. This miniature layout is a favorite among visitors who enjoy seeing well-known structures in tiny scale.

Location: Kadugannawa

Inception: December 2014

GPS coordinates: 7.25761,80.52090

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42