Sri Lanka Railways maintains office train services despite union strike

The Joint Railway Trade Unions launched their strike action at midnight on September 16, pressing multiple demands centred on personnel and operational changes within the national railway system. The two-day industrial action represents a significant escalation in tensions between unionised workers and railway management.

Sri Lanka Railways confirmed that services have largely continued uninterrupted, with all office trains operating as scheduled except for one service. The railway authority stated it has implemented contingency measures to maintain essential commuter connectivity during the strike period.

Asanka Samarasinghe, Media Spokesperson for Sri Lanka Railways, said the organisation is working to minimise disruption to the travelling public. The unions' primary demands include the removal of the current General Manager, alongside other workplace grievances that have accumulated among rail sector employees.

The strike represents one of several industrial actions affecting Sri Lanka's transport infrastructure in recent months. Commuters have been advised to monitor official updates from Sri Lanka Railways regarding any service changes or additional disruptions beyond the initial 48-hour strike window.