A 37-year-old man has been arrested for selling train tickets at exorbitant prices to foreign tourists.

The Police said 21 train tickets, Rs. 130,670 of cash earned through the scam, 130 record books, and a mobile phone had been seized from the suspect.

The suspect was arrested in the Suduhumpola area in Kandy yesterday based on a tip-off. 

Last week, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena raised concerns over a large-scale racket related to e-tickets for train services to Ella after all tickets were sold out 42 seconds following the launching of online tickets.

Addressing the Kandy District Coordination Committee meeting, the Deputy Minister disclosed information on this racket, stating that a complaint had also been filed with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena noted there have been cases where groups that buy all the online tickets immediately are later seen selling a ticket worth Rs. 2,000 for Rs. 16,000 to foreigners.

Stating that the racket selling train tickets at higher prices is being carried out centred on the Colombo-Fort, Kandy and Ella railway stations, he said three-wheelers parked near the railway station premises are found to be supporting it. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena has raised concerns over a large-scale racket related to e-tickets for train services to Ella after all tickets were sold out 42 seconds following the launching of online tickets

Speaking at the Kandy District Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday, the Deputy Minister disclosed information on this racket, informing that a complaint has been filed with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in this regard.

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena further said that there have been cases where groups that buy all the tickets immediately are later selling a ticket worth Rs. 2,000 rupees for Rs. 16,000 to foreigners.

Stating that the racket of selling train tickets at higher prices is being carried out centred on the Colombo-Fort, Kandy and Ella railway stations, he said information is received that three-wheelers parked near the railway station premises support it. 

He pointed out that the Railway Department releases e-tickets valid for the relevant date on the internet a month before, and while waiting for the release, all the tickets are continuously sold out in around 42 seconds.

Expressing suspicion that this is being done by a person or a group with computer expertise, the Deputy Minister said the report related to the complaint made to the CID has not yet been received.

He further emphasized that there is a need to take urgent measures to address the fraud. 

Commenting on the matter, the Police said people who purchase tickets at a higher price from these racketeers only complain but do not help take legal action. (Newswire)

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The issuance of train tickets online has been effective since yesterday (22).

Passengers can now purchase digital train tickets through the website www.pravesha.lk eliminating the need to wait in queue. Tickets will still be available at counters for those who prefer to purchase them in person.

“We plan to introduce this online system for season tickets before the end of this year. Additionally, new methods for train seat reservations and goods transportation will be rolled out over the next three months,” the Transport Ministry Secretary said. (Newswire)

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