Rail strike suspended following trade union discussions with Minister

Colombo (News 1st): The strike action scheduled to commence from midnight by trade unions attached to the railway sector was temporarily called off following discussions with the Minister of Transport. A number of trade unions attached to the railways sector representing Station Masters, Guards, Controllers, and Drivers were preparing to launch the strike action. Meanwhile, All Ceylon Private Bus Workers' Association says it will go on strike for 24 hours against the revised fines introduced by the government. However, the Inter-Provincial Private Bus Owners' Association said it is still in talks on resolving their issues. The Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association said the association is not aware of any strike action and they have not decided to go on strike. President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association Gemunu Wijeratne noted that they are not aware of strike action and that they were also informed about this through the media. He went onto note that they don't have enough time to hold discussions with other associations and make a decision. Wijeratne noted that they have informed the Inter-Provincial Private Bus Owners' Association that they will support if this is done after the festive season.