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Train services need proper programme/facilities: Kasun Chamara

09 Sep 2021

  • Station masters request systematic intervention for restarting operations
By Buddhika Samaraweera The Sri Lanka Station Masters’ Union (SLSMU) has requested that a systematic programme be prepared and necessary facilities be provided to railway stations as soon as possible to ensure the operation of train services after the reopening of the country. Speaking to The Morning, SLSMU General Secretary Kasun Chamara said that written requests were made in this regard during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, and added that it is important in the current situation that the relevant authorities, including the Railways Department, work out a plan on how to reactivate the train services in accordance with Covid-19-related health guidelines in the event the travel restrictions are lifted. “After the reopening of the country in the recent past, a large number of passengers travelled by train, but proper health guidelines were not followed. Therefore, the authorities should take steps to formulate a formal plan from now on as they are well aware of the situation that will arise after the reopening of the country,” he noted, and added that they hope to make a written request in this regard in the coming days. Transport Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Transport Ministry Secretary Monti Ranatunga, and Sri Lanka Railways General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara were unavailable for comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry recently accused the transport authorities of not having formulated a plan to operate public transport services in accordance with the Covid-19-related health guidelines after the reopening of the country, even though it is essential to do so to prevent further spread of Covid-19. Health Ministry Communications Director, Public Health Services Deputy Director General, and Disaster Preparedness and Response Division Head Dr. Hemantha Herath recently told The Morning that if the country is to be reopened, a formal plan should be formulated to operate public transport services in line with health guidelines, such as maintaining the one-metre social distancing rule. “The failure to operate transport services in accordance with the proper health guidelines will only lead to the re-emergence of the pandemic, as it happened on previous occasions. It is not enough to stop people from gathering only at weddings and funerals. In the recent past, there were several complaints that public transport services are operating without following health guidelines,” he claimed. Dr. Herath further stressed that in addition to transport services, arrangements should also be made to minimise crowds at shopping malls and other public places. “The relevant authorities should take steps to set up a programme targeting such places, especially railway stations, playgrounds, and weekly fairs. Businesses need to run, but it does not mean that people can gather en masse.”


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