The Sri Lanka Railways Department is set to introduce a facility for private-sector employees to obtain monthly train season tickets through the department’s official seat reservation website from October 1.
The facility, which was previously limited to government-sector employees, will now be extended to private-sector employees who use railway services. This will allow them to apply for and obtain season tickets online without having to visit railway stations frequently.
The new facility was officially launched at the Nelum Hall of the Waters Edge Hotel in Battaramulla, under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, with the participation of Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Engineer Eranga Weeraratne.
Under the existing system, passengers faced several difficulties when obtaining monthly season tickets. They were required to submit an application, photograph, proof of residence and a copy of their National Identity Card in order to obtain a railway identity card first.
They also had to access the service only during specified hours, from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m., within a 10-day period.
Under the new digital system, passengers will be able to apply for and obtain season tickets from home after their identity and user account have been verified.
Facilities have been provided for passengers to verify their user accounts at any railway station equipped with seat reservation facilities.
The programme is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Sri Lanka Railways Department and SLT-Mobitel.
The online issuance of concessionary railway season tickets for government employees, in accordance with Chapter XVII of the Establishments Code, commenced on June 9, 2026.
Officials said the extension of the facility to private-sector employees is another step in the national programme to digitize railway services and provide passengers with a more efficient and convenient service.
Meanwhile, a smart ticketing system has also been introduced for passengers travelling on the Kelani Valley railway line under the railway digitization programme.
The system is currently being implemented as a pilot project at Baseline Road, Kotta Road, Kirulapone and Narahenpita railway stations.
