Sri Lanka railway unions confirm strike for September 17-18

Joint railway trade unions in Sri Lanka have confirmed a two-day token strike scheduled for September 17 and 18. The industrial action is a protest against ongoing administrative and operational issues within the Railway Department.

A primary demand from the unions, including the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Association (SLRSMA), is the immediate removal of the current General Manager of Railways and the appointment of new leadership. Union representatives stated that confidence in the current management has eroded and that the issue has remained unresolved for nearly two years.

Following a meeting at the Ministry of Transport on September 14, no agreement was reached to suspend the strike. While the Ministry of Transport secretary acknowledged the unions' goal of rebuilding the department, he requested more time to decide on the General Manager's removal. The unions rejected this request, maintaining that the strike will proceed as planned. The movement has gained support from passenger associations due to persistent train delays and service shortcomings.