Railway Unions Warn of September 17 Strike Unless Administrative Crisis Is Addressed
September 13, Colombo (LNW): Railway trade unions have warned that a planned strike on September 17 will proceed unless the Government takes immediate steps to address mounting administrative problems within the Railway Department.
The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association (SLRSMA) has called for the urgent appointment of a new General Manager of Railways, arguing that the absence of permanent and effective leadership is contributing to a number of unresolved issues across the department.
SLRSMA President Sumeda Somaratne said railway unions were expecting the authorities to respond quickly and take meaningful action. In the absence of such measures, he said, there would be no reason to suspend the industrial action planned for September 17.
The dispute has also drawn an unusual level of support from railway passenger associations. Somaratne said this was the first time such groups had joined railway unions in backing strike action, reflecting growing frustration among commuters over problems such as persistent train delays and other passenger-related shortcomings.
The latest development comes as railway unions are due to meet Deputy Minister of Transport on September 14 to discuss the difficulties currently affecting the Railway Department.
Union representatives have indicated that the outcome of that meeting will be crucial. They have made it clear that unless the Government offers satisfactory and practical solutions to the issues raised, the unions will proceed with the strike as planned.
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