Sri Lanka: How to Get Refunds for Your Pre-Booked Rail Ticket?

Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) suspends several key routes including the Up country line following Ditwah Destruction

SLR is now refunding pre-booked tickets as the rail network faces one of the worst disruptions in its history following Cyclone Ditwah.

The disaster has rendered nearly 1,100 km of railway tracks inoperable out of the 1,593 km network.

Only 478 km currently remain functional, severely limiting rail transportation across Sri Lanka.

Train services to Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kandy, Matale, Anuradhapura and Puttalam are halted.

The Main Line linking Colombo and Badulla via Ella now operate only up to Ambepussa, leaving the iconic up-country route inaccessible.

Mainline restriction means, rail access to tourism hotspots such as Hatton, Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya), Ella and Nine Arch Bridge is not available, as of now.

Colombo–Badulla line was named among the Top 7 Train Rides in the World in 2025 by Lonely Planet

Railway Lines Currently Not Operational

Major Drop in Daily Operations

“We only operate around 60 trains per day, whereas before the disaster, around 300 trains departed daily from Colombo Fort,” an official at the Fort Railway Station said.

Government has not yet announced a timeline for full restoration.

Owing to the extensive damage to the network particularly in the mountains, the recovery effort is expected to take months or longer.

Refund Process for Passengers and Travel Agents

In the meantime, Sri Lanka Railways started refunding for all pre-booked tickets, for both local passengers and travel agents.

“For Refunds ticket buyers can visit Fort, Maradana, or any currently operating railway stations,” a SLR official confirmed.

“Travel agents who booked tickets on behalf of tourists may also claim refunds by presenting the relevant documentation,” the official added.

Lines in Operation

Southern Coastal Line (Colombo–Galle)
Kelani Valley (KV) Line