Sri Lanka Railways has suspended a policeman stationed at the Makumbura Railway Station and a railway staff member over allegations of irregularities in the e-ticketing system. A senior official from the department confirmed the action.
Investigations revealed that one of the suspended officials was operating a private ticketing service under a relative’s name, exploiting the e-ticketing system. This fraudulent operation involved purchasing tickets online and reselling them at inflated prices. Tickets with a face value of LKR 2,000 were reportedly sold to foreign tourists for as much as LKR 16,000.
The scam came to light when tickets for the Upcountry railway route sold out within 42 seconds of being released online. The findings indicate that brokers exploited technical loopholes to bulk-purchase tickets, depriving genuine travelers of access. Further investigations revealed the involvement of three-wheeler drivers near railway stations, who collaborated with these fraudsters to facilitate the sales.
Deputy Minister of Highways Prasanna Gunasekera highlighted the severe impact of the scam on international tourists during a Kandy District Coordination Committee meeting. He noted that the fraudulent activity, centered around Colombo Fort, Kandy, and Ella railway stations, has tarnished Sri Lanka’s reputation and disrupted the tourism industry.
According to Kandy District Senior Superintendent of Police Anuruddha Bandaranayake, the primary challenge in addressing the issue lies in the lack of cooperation from victims. Tourists and locals who pay inflated ticket prices are often reluctant to file formal complaints, making it difficult to initiate legal action.
Deputy Minister Gunasekera has directed senior police officers to conduct a special investigation into the matter. Authorities have emphasized that resolving the issue requires the active cooperation of affected individuals to ensure successful legal action.
This e-ticketing fraud has not only caused inconvenience to tourists but also jeopardized the integrity of the railway system. Strict measures and oversight will be essential to restore trust and prevent future irregularities.