Railways Dept. complains to Police on work stoppage

Commuters seen travelling in a packed train yesterday morning at the Kelaniya Railway Station. Only nine trains out of 48 were in operation. 
Pic by Lahiru Harshana 

• The 24-hour strike was to end at midnight yesterday

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The Railway Department yesterday complained to the Fort Police about the work stoppage by the railway employees despite the railways being declared an essential service, Railways General Manager Nilantha Fernando said.   

A 24-hour token strike was launched by the railway unions from Thursday midnight over several demands including salary anomalies.   

The work stoppage is being carried out amid President Maithripala Sirisena signing the Gazette notification declaring the railways an essential service   

The Railway Trade Union (RTUA) Co-Convener Lal Ariyaratne said no matter what they would continue with their trade union action on Fridays.   

However, Railways General Manager told Daily Mirror though the trade unions had informed him in writing regarding their trade union action, they had not said they would continue the work stoppage on a weekly basis.   

He said Court would take necessary action against the workers if they violate the Emergency Regulations.   

Meanwhile, Deputy Operations Superintendent V. S. Polwattege said nine trains were operated in the morning and 15 in the evening.   

“Train services on the coastal line, left the Maradana Railway Station while trains traveling to North and those on the main line trains left from the Fort Railway Station.   

The trains to Kandy, Rambukkana, Matara, Galle, Mahawa, Chilaw and Avissawella left Fort last morning while some of the trains were also operated with the assistance of retired officials who were on a contract basis.   

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Ashoke Abesinghe said stern action would be taken against those who were engaged in the work stoppage.