• After unsuccessful discussions with GMR
• Despite numerous requests, steps not taken to hire new recruits

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to withdraw from transporting fuel, cement, and flour from yesterday.

The decision was taken after an unsuccessful discussion with the Railways’ General Manager (GMR) last evening.
SLRSMU Chairman Sumedha Somaratne told the media that they had withdrawn from these services in addition to the ongoing trade union action of not issuing train tickets and accepting and transporting parcels.
They claimed that there was a shortage of junior railway staff, with operations being carried out with difficulty.
He added that despite numerous requests, steps have not been taken to hire new recruits.

Following an executive committee meeting held last evening, the union decided to suspend the aircraft fuel from Kolonnawa oil terminal to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

He said the responsibility for any losses should be borne by the Railways General Manager (GMR) due to his arbitrary actions.

The discussions held between the Transport Secretary Ministry and SLRSMU ended with no solution and, following an executive committee meeting, it was decided to continue with indefinite strike action. 

• The responsibility for any losses should be borne by the Railways General Manager (GMR) due to his arbitrary actions