Railway unions launch 48-hour strike in Sri Lanka

A 48-hour symbolic strike by 26 railway trade unions commenced at midnight on the 16th, aimed at demanding the removal of the General Manager of Railways. The unions, which include drivers, controllers, and station masters, cite severe administrative and operational breakdowns within the department as the primary reason for the action.

Despite the strike, the Railway Department reported that most office trains have continued to operate on scheduled routes to minimize commuter inconvenience. Planned services include 13 trains on the Coastal Line, 11 on the Chilaw/Puttalam Line, 15 on the Main and Northern Lines, and 7 on the Kelani Valley Line. However, some passengers reported difficulties due to cancelled journeys and closed ticket counters.

The dispute was partially influenced by a disciplinary letter issued against Kasun Chamara Jayasekara, General Secretary of the Station Masters’ Association, which was subsequently suspended by the Ministry of Transport. Union leaders maintain that the strike will continue until midnight on the 18th, asserting that the movement is intended to strengthen the department rather than serve political interests.