News

Several trains cancelled due to strike

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2023

editor

Several train services have been cancelled today due to the strike launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union since midnight yesterday (11).

According to the Sri Lanka Railways, about 20 train journeys scheduled to run this morning have been cancelled.

Railway Traffic Deputy General Manager M.J. Idipolage said that several trains coming from Chilaw, Ganewatta and Aluthgama to Colombo as well as several short train journeys scheduled to run from Colombo have been cancelled this morning.

However, he said that trains are arriving from Rambukkana, Polgahawela, Kandy, Maho, Kurunegala, Galle and Avissawella.

S.R.C.M. Senanayake, the Secretary of the Union said that the strike was launched based on an issue related to salary increments.

“Railways engine driver grade has had an issue of no pay code for years. Therefore, there is an issue related to promotions in our grade. Everything has come to a standstill due to lack of recruitment procedure as a result of lack of pay code. Two groups in the engine railway service face grave inconveniences. They continue to pressurise our union to back this. Accordingly, our union informed the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and General Manager of Railways two weeks ago. We had to take trade union action since we have not received a proper answer so far. Only two train yards halted operations today. If there is no answer in the future, all the drivers will join the strike,” he said.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

11 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

11 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.