July 15, Colombo (LNW): A government-funded initiative aimed at modernising Sri Lanka’s railway telecommunication infrastructure has failed to yield its intended benefits, according to a recent report by the National Audit Office.
The audit reveals a series of operational and managerial lapses that have rendered the system ineffective, despite the project’s official completion nearly five years ago.
Originally launched to improve coordination and safety across the island’s railway network, the project was finalised in November 2020. However, the audit findings suggest that the upgraded system has not been integrated into daily operations in any meaningful way.
The report highlights a lack of cooperation from railway personnel, both at individual and departmental levels, in embracing the modernised system.
One of the most significant issues raised in the audit is the Department of Railways’ failure to ensure proper maintenance through the private telecom contractor, as was contractually mandated. This, compounded by the absence of a structured oversight mechanism, has resulted in critical components of the system falling into disuse or disrepair.
In an effort to promote the system’s usage, a circular was issued requiring railway staff to use the new communication equipment for official duties. However, the Audit Office has found widespread non-compliance among officers, some of whom have continued using alternative or outdated methods, undermining the investment made in new technology.
The National Audit Office has recommended that disciplinary measures be taken against officials who disregarded the circular and neglected their responsibilities. It further called for a nationwide strategy to expand signal coverage and build the necessary infrastructure to support uninterrupted service delivery, suggesting that without such improvements, the long-term goals of the modernisation project may never be realised.
