• Nearly 100 trains cancelled

The strike action initiated by the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union of Sri Lanka Railways is set to continue today (9) for the third consecutive day as no favourable response had been received from railway officials by yesterday (8) evening, The Sunday Morning learns.

The strike, which began at midnight on Thursday (6), entered its second day yesterday, leading to the cancellation of nearly 100 trains by noon, causing severe disruptions for commuters.

The protest centres on delays in second-class promotions for locomotive drivers and several other unresolved issues, according to the union.

Locomotive drivers from two out of five running sheds have joined the strike, which has resulted in the suspension of power set train operations. 

Approximately 84 locomotive drivers, who joined the service in 2015 and 2017, are participating in the strike over their promotion grievances.

Union President Chandana Lal clarified that the strike was not a decision made by the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union as a whole but one that was initiated by the union’s Secretary.

When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Transport Ministry Secretary Ranjith Rubasinghe stated that the General Manager of Railways was working to resolve the issues underlying the strike.