A group of Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) officers have been praised for going out of their way to help an Advanced Level candidate reach her examination centre on time, after she mistakenly boarded a long-distance train that did not stop at her station.

The incident came to light through a detailed Facebook post by a commuter travelling on the Colombo–Batticaloa train on 22 November, who described how a schoolgirl wearing her uniform became distressed upon realising the train had passed both Ambepussa and Alawwa without stopping. The student, from Alawwa Rahula College, had boarded the train from Mirigama believing it would stop at her station. By then it was 8.13 a.m., and her examination was scheduled to begin at 8.30.

According to the commuter, passengers alerted railway officers, after which swift coordination unfolded within seconds. A railway controller, Sajeetha Wickramasinghe (CGR Control), was contacted and immediately informed station officials and the train crew. Within less than a minute, Polgahawela Station was instructed to halt the passing train.

When the train stopped, a railway security officer met the student, calmly reassured her, and escorted her from Platform 5 to Platform 1. Railway guards and staff coordinated with the express train arriving minutes later, ensuring she boarded it safely. A phone call was also made to Alawwa Station to prepare a vehicle to take her directly to school upon arrival.

The express train reached Alawwa at 8.27 a.m., and the student was in school by 8.32 a.m.—in time to sit her examination.

After the post went viral many praised the officers for their coordination, compassion and professionalism, noting that none of them acted for personal gain but purely out of concern for the student’s future.

Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake today (26) commended the railway staff in Parliament, calling their actions “an example of true public service”. He said it was encouraging to see officers who prioritise public welfare, especially during stressful situations.

“This is the kind of commitment that restores public confidence in our institutions,” he told Parliament, appreciating the officers involved in swiftly assisting the student.

The incident has drawn widespread praise on social media, with many calling it a reminder that small acts of humanity can make an extraordinary difference in someone’s life.