The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that further investigations are underway into a major e-ticketing scam involving the resale of train tickets, especially on high-demand up-country routes such as the popular Colombo-Ella line.
The case, taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala, stems from widespread public outrage and tourist complaints over tickets for scenic train journeys being resold at exorbitant prices through unofficial channels.
CID officials submitted a detailed report on the progress of the investigation, which is looking into both external suspects and potential internal collusion within the Railway Department. Investigators are examining whether any Station Masters or other railway officials may have facilitated the racket.
The probe gained momentum after it was revealed that online e-tickets for certain trains were consistently sold out within 42 seconds of release, a timeline deemed suspicious and technically improbable. Investigators suspect the use of automated bots or other fraudulent tactics to mass-purchase tickets, which are then resold to foreign tourists at prices up to eight times the original value.
According to reports, tickets normally priced at Rs. 2,000 were being sold on secondary markets for as much as Rs. 16,000, primarily targeting unaware tourists hoping to experience Sri Lanka’s renowned scenic rail journeys.
Four suspects previously arrested in connection with the scheme were present in court today, having been granted bail earlier in the investigation. Their identities have not been released, but CID sources confirm they are closely monitoring their activities and financial transactions.
Magistrate Kekunawala instructed the CID to report back on the progress of the investigation on September 18, allowing time for further forensic and digital analysis to uncover the full extent of the operation and possible insider involvement.
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