Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) is under fire for allegedly breaching a Cabinet-approved contract with one JF Tours, leading to the cancellation of bookings for the iconic Viceroy Special steam train.

The Viceroy Special, a 40-year-old luxury tourism venture managed by JF Tours, has been a staple in promoting Sri Lanka’s heritage to both locals and international visitors.

According to JF Tours Managing Director Pavithra Fernando, the company holds a five-year contract with Sri Lanka Railways, which was approved by the Cabinet on 17 July 2023.

The agreement as revealed by the company has detailed operational commitments, service standards, and provisions to enhance the steam train experience. 

Under the terms, JF Tours is responsible for the carriages’ interiors, operations, and marketing, while SLR has to ensure the engines are operational with a minimum of 10 days’ notice.

Despite these obligations, SLR has cancelled recent bookings without explanation. This includes a 11-13 January reservation valued at $ 15,600. 

JF Tours claims the cancellations violate the contract, which covers costs for operational expenses, repairs, and profit-sharing with Sri Lanka Railways.

In addition, JF Tours had requested SLR to service three steam engines in preparation for the upcoming tourist season, but no action had been taken. Meetings scheduled to address these repairs have been cancelled without explanation.

Efforts to resolve the matter, including correspondence with the Minister of Transport and repeated requests for booking confirmations, have gone unanswered, according to the company.

JF Tours has since initiated legal proceedings, accusing SLR of breaching the Cabinet-approved agreement and seeking compensation for damages. 

The company warns that failure to honour the contract could result in further cancellations of railway tour group bookings worth over $ 630,000 through March this year.

Fernando highlighted that the cancellations jeopardised tourism partnerships with agents in the UK and Australia, who planned itineraries a year in advance. 

Legal action from foreign tour operators is also anticipated, potentially covering damages such as air tickets and other pre-booked services for their clients.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Railways General Manager J.I.D. Jayasundara stated that he was unaware of the issue when contacted by The Sunday Morning.