Railway strike continues: Public remain stranded

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Department of Railways, Railway Operations Superintendent Gamini Seneviratne stated that they managed to operate 09 office trains this morning, amidst the trade union action launched by railway department employees. Around 30 scheduled office trains were cancelled due to the strike action. Today marks the 05th consecutive day of the strike action launched by the Railway Department. Railway Drivers, Guards, Station Masters and Supervisors are collectively engaged in this strike. Due to the cancellation of a number of office trains commuters were severely inconvenienced and had to resort to other forms of transport. Meanwhile, the Government Executive Officers strike action citing salary anomalies continued today as well. Trade Unions have vowed to continue their strike action until their demands are met. Meanwhile, today marks the 21st day of the strike action launched by the non-academic staff of universities. The Ministry of Higher Education said a cabinet paper to review the salary anomalies of University Non-Academic Staff will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers tomorrow(October 1). The Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to probe the issue on salary anomalies of the striking public sector workers will meet today.