At Temple Trees, Minister Bimal Ratnayake pledged a shift toward professionalism in Sri Lanka’s railway sector, unveiling 329 long-awaited appointments and a national vision to build a modern public transport system.
Sri Lanka’s railway service has taken a decisive step forward with the appointment of 329 new officials, a move designed to improve efficiency and deliver a reliable public transport system. Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation, and Leader of the House of Parliament, Bimal Ratnayake, stressed the importance of professionalism in driving this transformation while addressing the appointees during a ceremony at the Public Auditorium, Temple Trees, Colombo 03.
“Since the government has taken all measures to provide a quality and efficient public transport service, let us change as professionals and contribute to improving the system to build the country,” Ratnayake declared, urging recruits to uphold responsibility in the transport sector.
The ceremony marked the presentation of appointment letters for positions that had been vacant for several years. These roles include Advisor, Railway Technical Management Assistant – Electrical, Railway Technical Management Assistant – Mechanical, and Basic Technician. Candidates were selected through a transparent process that began with written examinations conducted in July and August 2025, followed by interviews.
Under the first phase of recruitment, 8 Consultant posts, 47 Railway Technical Management Assistant – Electrical posts, 193 Railway Technical Management Assistant – Mechanical posts, and 81 Basic Technician posts were filled. The 329 new recruits are expected to strengthen technical expertise and improve service delivery within the Sri Lanka Railways Department.
The recruitment initiative aligns with the government’s national policy framework, ‘A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life’, which emphasizes sustainable development of the transport sector. According to officials, the program focuses on both physical infrastructure and human resource development, ensuring long-term modernization of the railway system for the benefit of workers and commuters alike.
Minister Ratnayake highlighted that the transformation of public transport is essential to reducing traffic congestion, promoting eco-friendly travel, and enhancing the daily lives of citizens. By strengthening railway services, the government aims to restore confidence in public transportation and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Engineer Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Colombo District MP Chandana Suriyaarachchi, Ministry Secretary Professor Kapila C. K. Perera, General Manager of Railways Ravindra Pathmapriya, Additional General Managers Bandara Chandrasena, Keerthi Hewawitharana, and Damayanthi Paranagama, along with a large number of appointees and their families.
The appointments are expected to inject fresh energy into Sri Lanka Railways and support the wider goal of creating a modern, efficient, and people-focused transport system.
