Railway chief says trains operated amid trade trade union action

As a result of the committed service of railway employees, 20 trains in total were operated by 8.00 this morning(March 15)for the convenience of commuters despite the ongoing multisectoral trade union action, the General Manager of Railways W.A.D.S.Gunasinghe has said.

However, early this morning, the railway department confirmed that only ten commuter trains were in operation this morning, although 13 commuter trains had been scheduled to be operated as usual to minimize the inconvenience caused to the passengers.

According to a press release by the President’s Media Division on Tuesday night(March 14),13 trains were supposed to reach Colombo Fort railway station from Avissawella, Chilaw, Rambukkana, Ganewatte, Maho, Kandy, Beliatta, Galle, Aluthgama and Kalutara South.

On Tuesday, the railway chief said several trade unions in the sector, including the Railway Guards Union, Station Masters Union and Railway Controllers Association have not pledged support for the mass token strike today, although the Locomotive Engine Operators Union decided otherwise.

Ahead of the launch of the 24-hour strike action, the leave of all categories of staff in Sri Lanka Railways was cancelled with effect from Tuesday, until further notice.