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.