The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has said that measures implemented in terms of the Anti-Corruption Act 2023 (No. 09), particularly Articles 36–39(1)(2) fortified the integrity of Sri Lanka Railways’ online ticketing system.

It said that the operation was spearheaded by CIABOC’s Corruption Prevention Unit.

CIABOC’s comprehensive 45-page investigative report on Sri Lanka Railways’ Online Ticket System has been prepared after examining over one million entries—including ID numbers, phone numbers, and detailed booking patterns—the study uncovered patterns of repeated bookings, fake numbers, bulk ticket allocations, station-specific anomalies, counter official behaviours, and seasonal trends. These insights led to targeted recommendations that have driven unprecedented positive reforms, enhancing public trust and operational efficiency in Sri Lanka’s vital rail network.

The recommendations were formally transmitted to the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways on February 18, 2025, and to the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport on March 21, 2025, mandating implementation under the Anti-Corruption Act. In a detailed response dated September 9, 2025, the General Manager confirmed that six key recommendations have been either fully enacted or actively advanced over the past six months, yielding tangible benefits for passengers and the broader economy.

Highlights of Implemented Recommendations

CIABOC commends Sri Lanka Railways for its swift and collaborative action, in partnership with entities like Mobitel and the Department for Registration of Persons. The following achievements underscore the Act’s efficacy in curbing fraud and promoting accountability:

Spot Fines and Non-Transferable Ticket Enforcement: This cornerstone recommendation has been fully operationalised, establishing a strong deterrent against black market reselling. On February 27, 2025, Mobitel was directed to print non-transferability warnings on all reserved seat tickets, citing the Railway Ordinance, Section 7, Articles A-G. A comprehensive instruction manual, issued on July 26, 2025, empowers station masters, superintendents, ticket examiners, and security officers to verify ID-passport matches at gates, impose double-price fines for mismatches, and remove non-compliant passengers. This has successfully minimised fraudulent transfers, ensuring tickets serve their intended purpose and protecting ordinary travelers from exploitation.

ID Authenticity Verification Integration: Proactive steps toward linking the system with the Department for Registration of Persons’ Check Digit Algorithm began with a formal request on March 7, 2024, followed by a meeting to resolve integration challenges. This collaboration is poised to eliminate fake IDs at the booking stage, further safeguarding the system’s integrity and aligning with global best practices for digital public services.

· Mobile Phone Number and OTP Verification: Ongoing discussions with Mobitel highlight a commitment to robust identity confirmation, despite cost considerations for SMS OTPs to local and international users. As a forward-thinking alternative, WhatsApp verification is under active exploration, with implementation targeted for the near future. These efforts, combined with warnings during booking, are already reducing reservations via fake websites and enhancing user security.

Limits on Repeated Bookings:

System updates to cap individual purchases at 10 tickets per period—triggering double fines thereafter—are in advanced stages, addressing bulk buying for resale. Interim measures, including mandatory identity recording for every reservation, have naturally curbed excessive bookings, promoting fair access during peak demand.

Countering Black Market Activities: Awareness initiatives at stations and embedded warnings in the ticketing terms and conditions have educated passengers on the perils of fake tickets, significantly deterring illicit operations. This community-focused approach, amplified by media campaigns, empowers citizens to support a corruption-free travel ecosystem.

Expanded Train Services on High-Demand Routes:

Addressing root causes of scarcity, Sri Lanka Railways has augmented capacity on the Colombo Fort-Badulla line with extra trains during peak tourist and school seasons, beyond regulars like Nos. 1005/1006, 1007/1008, 1015/1016, and 1047/1048. The Ella Odyssey (1041/1042) has evolved from thrice-weekly to near-daily operations: Saturdays and Sundays from Colombo Fort to Badulla; Fridays and Saturdays from Badulla to Colombo Fort; Mondays to Fridays from Kandy to Badulla; and Sundays to Thursdays from Badulla to Kandy. A new weekend intercity express (1001/1002) now connects Colombo Fort to Badulla, while the innovative Calypso train—boasting an open carriage with live Calypso music—delights locals and tourists alike, boosting tourism and revenue.

The research, data analysis, recommendations, and monitoring detailed in this report were conducted by Corruption Prevention Officer Shilamega Welithotage.