Online train ticketing facility launched amid railway strike

Commuters can now purchase train tickets online via the www.pravesha.lk website or the Pravesha mobile app, following an announcement by the Department of Government Information. Passengers can complete transactions using a credit or debit card after entering their trip details, receive their e-ticket via SMS or email, and validate it using the provided QR code at stations and onboard trains.

The digital ticketing rollout coincides with a 48-hour token strike initiated at midnight by the Railway Joint Trade Union Alliance, encompassing 29 unions including the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Association, Railway Employees’ Association, Sri Lanka Unprotected Railway Crossing Gatekeepers’ Association, and Railway Security Officers’ Association. The unions launched the industrial action demanding the immediate removal of the current General Manager of Railways, whom they accuse of acting arbitrarily and ignoring staff grievances.

Although the strike resulted in a halt to physical ticket issuance at numerous railway stations, the Railway Department confirmed that train services operated as scheduled throughout the morning and afternoon. Commuters also verified that regular train operations continued despite the protest. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Association warned that trade union measures will be intensified if their demands are left unaddressed.