In response to an ongoing strike by the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union, Sri Lanka has deployed Army personnel to ensure the security of the Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations, with the possibility of extending coverage to other stations if necessary, as announced by the Department of Railways.
The strike, which commenced at midnight on Monday, revolves around a series of demands, including overdue amendments to the recruitment process and promotions, which have reportedly been delayed for nearly five years. Consequently, over a hundred train services have been canceled, significantly disrupting the daily commute of passengers and leading to tense situations at various railway stations.
The scarcity of operational trains has led to overcrowding on the ones that are still running, forcing many commuters to resort to train surfing due to the adverse conditions.
A particularly distressing incident occurred at the Maradana railway station, where commuters were left incensed by the railway strike. Tragically, a youth lost his life after falling from the roof of an overcrowded train near the station.
In response to the escalating situation, President Ranil Wickremesinghe took decisive action by issuing a gazette notification. This notification declared public transport services for passengers or goods, as well as the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services via railway lines, as essential services with immediate effect under the Essential Public Service Act.
