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Station masters mull trade union action

30 Nov 2021

  • Cite informal developments at stations
By Buddhika Samaraweera Claiming that it has become impossible to maintain services at several railway stations due to informal development projects of the Railways Department and several other issues, the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has warned of a possible train union action if the said issues are not addressed. In a letter to Railways Department General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara, the SLRSMU has pointed out that several constructions being carried out by the Road Development Authority (RDA) at the Kurunegala Railway Station has caused inconveniences to employees living in the railway quarters and their families. The letter further read that due to the failure of the generators of the Matara to Beliatta railways project, the work at the relevant railway stations could not be carried out at present. “Even though the failure of the generators has been brought to the attention of all relevant parties including you (Railways General Manager), no solution has been given yet,” it added. In addition, the SLRSMU has claimed that there are a large number of vacancies for junior staff at all railway stations to activate train signals, which has now become a serious problem. It further stated that the Puttalam railway line, which was damaged due to the recent heavy rains, has not been repaired properly but that office train operations have resumed. According to the SLRSMU, the resumption of train operations without carrying out the repair work properly, has led to frequent train delays. Speaking to The Morning, SLRSMU General Secretary Kasun Chamara said that if these problems are not resolved soon, they will have to initiate trade union action in the future, albeit reluctantly. Jayasundara was unavailable for comment on the matter.


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