Can I buy Sri Lanka train tickets at the station?

Yes, if you want an unreserved train ticket, you have to buy it in person. You can only buy it on the day of travel, at the station.

Go to the station’s ticket desk shortly before the scheduled departure. Then you can purchase your ticket right there. For reserved seats, the station has a separate counter for bookings. Still, those seats often run out well in advance, sometimes days or even weeks before travel on busy routes.