Background of the Controversy Surrounding the ‘Massage Service’ on Trains
Many people commented on the video, with some suggesting that its authenticity should be verified. As a result, FactSeeker conducted an investigation.
by Anonymous |
March 7, 2025
FactSeeker observed a video shared on social media last January, captioned, “New spa massage service launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Department.”
https://puthiyakural.lk/2025/01/17/what-country-is-this-in-408
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At a media conference on January 17, Sri Lanka Railways General Manager J.I.T. Jayasundara addressed the issue, stating, “A video of locals massaging foreign tourists on a train is widely circulating on social media. However, this did not take place on a train operated by the Sri Lanka Railways Department.”
Furthermore, the General Manager expressed, “As a Sri Lankan and an employee of the Railways Department, I find this incident deeply shameful. This did not occur on a regular passenger train operated by Sri Lanka Railways but on a special train chartered by a private travel agency. This matter will be investigated, and necessary action will be taken.”
When asked about the incident, the General Manager clarified that no information had yet been received and that a written request should be submitted. In response to FactSeeker’s request sent on January 21, 2025, Deputy Superintendent of Railways I.L.D.C. Gunasekaran provided a brief explanation of the incident’s background.
The train that departed Pilimathalawa for Colombo on January 15, 2025, was a special train booked by a private company. To reserve a train or coach, a written request must be submitted to the Office of the Deputy General Manager (Commercial) of Railways at least three weeks in advance, and permission was granted accordingly.
However, no additional services were provided for this special train; only the journey itself was permitted. No passenger seats were damaged during the massage, and therefore, no compensation was issued. Furthermore, the Railway Department confirmed that the coaches of this train were not authorized for massage services.
Therefore, FactSeeker confirms that no new massage service has been introduced by the Sri Lanka Railways, as claimed on social media, and that these posts are false. While the incident in the video is real, FactSeeker confirms that it did not occur on a regular passenger train but on a train reserved exclusively for tourists.
