Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake says IT experts from the Digital Ministry and other agencies have helped temporarily curb the widely discussed online train ticket scam, as Sri Lanka Railways launches a new mandatory identification verification system.
The minister said the ticket booking platform still requires further upgrades to make it more secure and that steps are being taken to prosecute those involved in the scam.
Under the new policy, Sri Lankan passengers must provide their National Identity Card (NIC) number and foreign nationals must provide their passport number when booking online or at counters. Original identification documents must also be presented during boarding and ticket checks.
The rule applies to reserved seats on intercity, long-distance, and premium train services, while unreserved ticket purchases remain unaffected.
Today, the Colombo–Badulla “Podimenike” train allegedly travelled with fewer passengers than capacity, as some ticket holders were unable to board due to missing ID details.
Authorities say the measure is aimed at stopping black market ticket sales, particularly on popular tourist routes such as Kandy–Ella, where seats have been resold for up to four to five times the normal price. (Newswire)
