Women Can Now Apply for All Sri Lanka Railway Jobs

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that the Cabinet has decided to allow women to be recruited for all positions in the Sri Lanka Railway Service.

This announcement was made by the Senior State counsel, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by two women challenging a Gazette notification that previously restricted women from applying for Station Master positions.

The petition was heard before a three-judge bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Priyantha Fernando, and Achala Wengappuli.

Senior State counsel Nayanathara Balapatabendi, informed the court that the Cabinet granted approval for the change at its meeting held on November 3.

Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Bopage, representing the petitioners, stated that since the relief sought has now been granted, they agree to conclude the proceedings. 

Accordingly, the Supreme Court ordered the conclusion of the case.

The petition was filed by Ayeshani Jayawardena and Suresh Vidusha, naming the General Manager of Railways and others as respondents.

The Gazette notification issued recently for the recruitment of Station Masters had included a provision allowing only men to apply, effectively denying women the opportunity to compete for these positions. 

The petitioners argued that this restriction violated their fundamental rights and sought a ruling to overturn it.