Railway trade unions will proceed with a two-day token strike tomorrow (17) and on 18 September after talks with the Transport Ministry failed to resolve their demand for the removal of the incumbent Railways General Manager (GM).

Railway Joint Trade Union Alliance Co-Convenor Kasun Chamara Jayasekara said yesterday (15) that the unions had decided not to withdraw or alter the planned strike as the Government had yet to reach a firm decision on the future of the GM.

The decision follows a meeting held on Monday (14) between the Ministry Secretary and representatives of several railway trade unions to discuss the proposed industrial action.

During the meeting, the unions raised concerns over administrative and operational issues within the Department of Railways, as well as disruptions affecting passenger services. They said they had completely lost confidence in the current GM and called for his immediate removal.

According to the unions, their action is aimed at rebuilding the Department of Railways, improving operational efficiency and ensuring a better service for passengers.

The Ministry Secretary reportedly acknowledged that rebuilding the Department was the genuine objective of the unions. He also said it was inappropriate to issue a letter seeking an explanation from the Secretary of the Railway Station Masters’ Union.

However, he said he required additional time to make a final decision on whether the GM should be removed.

The unions rejected the request, saying the issue had remained unresolved for nearly two years and that they could not grant the Government any further time.

With no agreement reached to suspend or cancel the planned industrial action, the unions confirmed that the two-day token strike would proceed as scheduled tomorrow and on 18 September.