Sri Lanka Railways opens online season ticket service to private sector

Private-sector employees will be able to obtain monthly railway season tickets online from October 1, under a new initiative by the Sri Lanka Railways Department to simplify the ticketing process. 

The facility, previously available only to public-sector employees, will be extended to private-sector workers through the department’s online platform, allowing users to apply for season tickets remotely. 

The official launch of the programme was held today in Battaramulla, with Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Engineer Eranga Weeraratne in attendance. 

The new system is aimed at reducing the inconvenience faced by passengers under the previous process, which required applicants to submit an application form, photograph, proof of residence and a copy of their National Identity Card within a specified period. 

Under the new system, applicants will be able to verify their identity and user account and obtain their monthly season tickets online without having to visit a railway station or office. 

The initiative is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Sri Lanka Railways Department and a telecommunications service provider. 

Railway authorities said the move forms part of a broader programme to digitise railway services and improve efficiency and convenience for passengers. 

A smart-ticketing pilot project is already underway at several selected stations along the Kelani Valley railway line, while facilities for online seat reservations are also being expanded gradually. 

The department expects the latest initiative to further modernise railway services and reduce the administrative burden associated with issuing monthly season tickets.