Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake has rejected opposition claims that the Railway Department is incurring daily losses of Rs. 90 million, insisting that the sector’s profit and loss cannot be calculated in a simple manner.
His comments came in response to a question raised by Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake in parliament today (22).
Addressing the Parliament, Rathnayake said steps are underway to modernize the railway system, including plans to complete electrified lines from Colombo to Panadura, Makumbura, and Ragama by 2029/30.
He also highlighted ongoing digitalization, with online season tickets for state employees launched in July and private sector access expected by September.
The Minister noted that all railway lines, except Wattegama in Matale, are scheduled for renovation and reopening this year, including the Badulla and Kandy routes.
However, he admitted that train operations have fallen to 285–300 daily services, compared to 310–350 weekly earlier, due to poor engine maintenance.
“Even though 9 to 10 engines must be returned annually after maintenance, we are receiving only 2 or 3 at present,” he said, adding that derailments at Colombo Fort station reflect a severe lack of management.
Rathnayake stressed that solutions lie in cooperation with railway employees, not privatization.
Turning to bus services, he revealed that the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is reporting daily losses of Rs. 20 million due to fraudulent ticket practices.
“Even though we have increased salaries, provided job security, and deployed nearly 800 buses, certain drivers and conductors are engaged in fraud. I believe there are still corrupt employees within SLTB,” he said. (Newswire)