The Locomotive Operating Engineers Union has temporarily suspended its decision to withdraw from coastal train operations from 12 noon today (June 06), following a discussion with the Railway General Manager this morning.  

The union, which was demanding a solution to the faulty signaling system on the coastal line, said it received a positive response during the meeting.

(Previous news 2025 June 06 – 10.53.a.m.)

Train drivers to suspend coastal line operations today

Train drivers have decided to suspend coastal line operations from 12 noon today (June 06), citing unresolved issues with the signaling system between Panadura and Moratuwa.

According to Locomotive Operating Engineers Union General Secretary – Chandana Wiyanduwa, the decision follows a near-accident involving the Sagarika train yesterday (June 05), which was halted near Moratuwa, due to a broken rail track.

An individual had managed to alert the driver in time, preventing a possible tragedy.

The faulty signal system also led to a slow train from Panadura proceeding with a green light, unaware that another train was already on the same track and heading in the same direction, posing a serious safety risk.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (June 06) formally handed over an indictment to former Minister of Labour and Public Relations, Mervyn Silva, before the Colombo High Court.

The charges allege that Silva violated provisions of the Bribery Act by possessing assets – including properties, vehicles, and bank accounts – worth several crores of rupees, which are suspected to be disproportionate to his declared lawful income.

The indictment was presented before Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi. Following the submission, the court ordered that the accused be released on bail.

The Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment says that an additional 400,000 families will receive the ‘Aswesuma’ relief allowance next month.

Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage stated that the selection process is at its final stages.

He also noted that benefits for 420,000 families in the transitional category have been suspended since last April.

Currently, 1.38 million families are receiving “Aswesuma” welfare benefits.