• Cite issues with regular breakdown of power sets/locomotive engines, shortage of engines, frequent engine deactivations, derailments
• Urge establishment of advisory board 

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has asked the Prime Minister, the Transport Minister, the Deputy Transport Minister, the Transport Ministry Secretary and the General Manager (GM) of Railways for a meeting to discuss the problems in the railway service.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, SLRSMU General Secretary Kasun Chamara Jayasekara said that power sets and locomotive engines are breaking down regularly, leading to a sharp rise in delays and cancellations of trains, including office-hour trains. “Passengers are dealing with constant disruptions. The Railways Department’s image is slipping because of this,”

Noting there should be about 70 engines to operate trains without any interruption each day, he said that there are only around 50 engines at present. “About 50 engines and 50 power sets are parked for repairs. There are also other issues such as frequent engine deactivations and derailments.”

He added the station masters face most of the public anger because they are the first officials that passengers meet. “People blame us, but these are not issues that we can solve. Our members are under pressure every day and the management has not taken any steps to address the situation,” he said.

Although the Union has been requesting a meeting with the Transport Minister and senior Railway officials for months, Jayasekara claimed that they had not been provided with an opportunity yet. He also said that the sector needs a competent advisory board to look into the technical and operational problems.

Multiple attempts to contact the Railways GM Ravindra Pathmapriya proved futile.