Major trains cancelled for the first time in history due to lack of crew

• More than 90 locomotive drivers in rank three of the railway services have not been elevated to rank two position yet  

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Major train services in remote areas are now being cancelled for the first time in history, Locomotive Engineering Operators’ Union Chairman K. A.U.Konthasinghe said.   

He told the media that major trains in Maho, Gal Oya, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa in the eastern zone, have been affected due to a lack of staff.  

“Every essential grade in the Railways Department has been affected due to lack of staff. More than 90 locomotive drivers in rank three of the railway services have not been elevated to rank two position yet. Due to this reason, they are unable to operate locomotives,” Konthasinghe said.  

Meanwhile, there are protracted delays in receiving confirmations for staff who are attached to the railway on contract basis, he said.  

“For the reasons stated above, the number of train cancellations have increased. Therefore, we have to cancel the train that runs between Colombo Fort and Batticoloa for the first time in the history of the railway,” he said.  

If this practice continues, the trains will either be delayed or cancelled. If the government does not take any action, the union will be compelled to take trade union action to protect the Railway Department, Konthasinghe added.