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Limit train services, engine operators urge

02 Mar 2022

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Claiming that the train services should be restricted in view of the current fuel crisis, the Locomotive Engine Operators’ Union (LEOU) has stated that the failure to do so would cause a disruption of the entire train service in the coming days. Speaking to the media yesterday (1), LEOU Secretary Indika Dodangoda said that due to the current fuel crisis, the Railways Department is not receiving fuel stocks properly. “Currently, the department has fuel stocks which would be sufficient only for two or three days. In this situation, we, as the LEOU, have pointed out to the department that the train services would have to be restricted to some extent in the future,” he noted. He further stated that if the train service is not restricted so as not to have a major impact on the public, the train service would come to a complete halt within the next few days. However, when contacted by The Morning, Railways Department Deputy General Manager (DGM) – Transport A.D.G. Seneviratne said that the department was receiving enough stocks of fuel on a daily basis, adding that there was no need to suspend any train. He also said that he was not aware of a request made by the LEOU to restrict the train services. The country is currently seeing a shortage of fuel, particularly diesel, which was caused by the US dollar deficit. As a result, the fuel stations are not receiving enough fuel stocks and people are seen waiting in long queues near fuel stations islandwide.


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