Tourists raise concerns over payments allegedly collected by train guards

Colombo, June 21 (Daily Mirror) - Train guards operating on the resumed Nanu Oya–Badulla railway service have allegedly collected money from tourists in exchange for access to train compartments, railway sources said.

According to a senior Railway Department official, train guards are alleged to have collected nearly Rs. 100,000 on the first day of the service's resumption yesterday (20).

Train services between Nanu Oya and Badulla resumed yesterday following the completion of restoration work on the upcountry railway line, which had been damaged by Cyclone Ditwah.

Rail operations had previously been restricted to the Ambewela–Badulla section after a landslide damaged the railway track at Parakumpura, between Nanu Oya and Ambewela.

It is alleged that some train guards charged tourists Rs. 5,000 for access to first-class compartments and an additional Rs. 3,000 to secure seats in third-class compartments.

Several tourists who claimed to have been affected by the practice have lodged complaints at the Badulla and Colombo railway stations.

When contacted, the Railway Department spokesman said an incident had been reported and that an inquiry was underway. He said further details would be announced tomorrow after the facts had been verified.