Begging at railway stations and trains banned

COLOMBO (News 1st) - 15 people have been arrested during the course of one week, for begging and operating illegal businesses in trains. After the suspects were produced before the Fort and Maligakanda Magistrate Courts, an order was issued to file cases against them under article 12 of the Railways Ordinance for harassing passengers. A decision had been taken by the Railway Department to ban begging at railway stations and inside train compartments countrywide, with effect from July 1st. The general public could lodge any complaints in this regard through the hotline, 011 2336 614.