Train operators on strike

COLOMBO (News1st); A group of train drivers have launched a strike since midnight on Thursday (06).

Secretary of the Locomotive Operating Engineers Association S.R.C.M. Senanayake said trains will not operate from two stations located in Colombo.

He said the strike was launched based on several issues including the failure to provide a salary code, promotions, and recruitments.

Senanayake said they face various issues concerning recruitment, promotions and retirements, due to the lack of a salary code.

He added that while there is a requirement for around 450 locomotive operators, there are less than 250 at present.

He said the strike was launched over the failure to provide solutions, adding that the strike was only launched at two of the five stations in Colombo, considering the prevailing issues in the country.

The Railway Control Room said a train scheduled to operate from Puttalam to Colombo Fort was canceled this morning.