Railway trade unions have decided to continue the strike they have started yesterday(11) evening until received solutions for their demands after failing to reach an agreement during a discussion held with Transport Minister Nimal Siripala De silva today(12).
Due to the Railway strike launched by Train drivers and Railway guards without prior notice public especially employees and students have faced enormous difficulties since last evening as all Train services started from Colombo fort and Maradana Railway stations have been cancelled by the authorities as a result of the strike.
As a result of the strike most of the office trains scheduled to begin this morning from Colombo Fort and Maradana Railway stations have been cancelled and only 12 train journeys conducted during morning session according to the Railway authorities.
Meanwhile Railway Authorities have stated that they have taken steps to conduct maximum Train journeys throughout the day by using the Railway workers who have reported to work and also with the collaboration with Sri Lanka Transport Board(SLTB) have planned to utilized more SLTB Buses for transport activities of the convenience of Train passengers.
Meanwhile Deputy Transport Minister Ashok Abeysinghe has stated that Government will declare the Train service as an essential service.
According to reports Transport Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva has decided to take an advice of Attorney General to take a legal action against Railway Trade Unions over launching a strike at 5 p.m yesterday although they have earlier announced the strike will be launched from 12 in the midnight.
Assistant Superintendent Of Police(ASP) in Tangalle Thushara Daluwatte who has been charged over assaulting a youth who involved in the protest march conducted by Joint Opposition group last week at Hamabanthota against handing over Mattala Airport and Hambanthota Harbour to foreign countries ,has been transferred to Matara with immediate effect.
