“If you can’t fix it, resign!” – Minister slams Railways

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s railway system is under intense scrutiny following a series of alarming complaints about passenger discomfort, safety hazards, and lack of accountability.

In a strongly worded statement, Minister Bimal Ratnayake condemned the state of train services, citing broken fans, non-functional washrooms, and dangerous infrastructure.

“The windows on our trains cannot be closed, and when they are, the heat becomes unbearable. Not a single fan is operational in some compartments,” he said, adding that repeated requests to Sri Lanka Railways since March to repair these issues have gone unanswered.

Passengers traveling from Galle to Colombo—a journey that takes over two hours—have reported severe discomfort, including a lack of water in washrooms. 

“Commuters are suffering. Why is this being allowed to continue?” he asked, accusing railway staff of neglecting their professional responsibilities.

A particularly disturbing incident involved a four-year-old child whose fingers were crushed by a faulty window between Ja-Ela and Seeduwa. “When I spoke to the father, he asked me, ‘What’s the point of living in a country like this?’ That question haunts me,” Ratnayake said.

Calling for immediate inspections, including at the Ratmalana railway facility, the Minister urged staff to take responsibility or resign. “I’m constantly apologizing to commuters. Are all your relatives traveling in Mercedes-Benz vehicles? Do you not know anyone who travels by train?”

While acknowledging government shortcomings—including delays in recruitment and financial constraints—the minister emphasized that efforts are underway to reform the system. 

However, Sri Lanka Railways has shown “not even one percent of progress,” particularly in addressing long-standing infrastructure issues.