Railway Operations hampered due to Token Strike

COLOMBO (News 1st): The railway operations across the island were hampered on Thursday (Mar. 18) as a result of the 24-hour token strike launched by Locomotive Engine Operators and affiliated trade unions. Only 15 trains operated today (18) compared to the 48 trains that operate daily during the morning hours, W.A.D.S. Gunasinghe, the Acting Railway General-Manager told News 1st. The 15 trains operated from Kandy, Aluthgama, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Moratuwa, Rambukkana, and Avissawella areas. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has added more buses for operations in order to minimize the impact on the commuters who use public transport services, as a result of the token strike. Indika Dodangoda, the Secretary of the Locomotive Engine Operators’ Union (LEOU) told News 1st the token strike was launched over several demands, including unjust disciplinary action against railway workers.