Railway strike causes losses over Rs. 70mn

Colombo (News 1st) - The Department of Railway states that the estimated loss that the Government has suffered due to the ongoing railway strike is believed to be around Rs. 70 Million. The Deputy Commercial Superintendent of the Railway, N. J. Indipola stated that the daily earnings of the Railway Department are around Rs. 17 Million. The strike action has impacted the delivery of goods as well as mail. Indipola further stated that steps are being taken to refund money to passengers who have already purchased tickets online. The Railway Services Joint Trade Union Secretary Sampath Rajitha said around 100 Trade Unions oppose this trade union action. Though around 3200 Railway Workers are engaged in this strike, more than 15,000 employees are engaged in their duties, he stated. Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ashok Abeysinghe states that as a Government they will never enter into any dialogue unless the employees stop the strike. Abeysinghe stated that the Government will stand firm with this decision even if the employees go on strike for two or three months. The Deputy Minister once again requested the railway trade unions to stop the strike temporarily and give the Government two or three months and to increase their salaries. He further states that they are preparing the Gazette to announce train service as an essential service. Ashok Abeysinghe states that he has proof to reveal who is behind the railway strike.  He stated that a person speaking over the telephone mentioned the name of a powerful member of the Joint Opposition.