INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
At least 11 scheduled trains were cancelled this morning (Jan
cancelled, as a result of the vacancies created by the retirement of nearly 500 individuals from the entire railway staff, since December
31.Speaking to reporters yesterday, the President of the RSMU, Sumedha Somaratne said that 44 trains were scheduled to be cancelled on
December 31, and that already multiple trains were cancelled with this figure expected to rise by today.If that happens, the running trains
masters were recruited to overcome the shortage of station masters, the appointments have not been approved since 2013, and as a result, the
Matara and Beliatta Railway Stations will have to be closed in the coming period, Mr
Somaratne further stressed.Station Masters warned that if a proper solution will not be provided for this issue next week, they will
definitely launch a strike by January 09, against these collapses that have arisen within the Railway Department.It is reported that due to
shortage of railway employees, around 96 train journeys have been canceled within the last two days alone.It is reported that 36 journeys
including 24 passenger trains and 12 cargo trains have been canceled yesterday (01), and 59 journeys including 48 passenger trains and 11
cargo trains were cancelled on December 31.Deputy General Manager of Railways Mr
Gamini Senaviratne, responding to an inquiry made by Ada Derana, said that the effect of the same situation will continue today and a
significant number of trains may be cancelled.However, he further stated that the Railway Department is taking necessary steps to avoid the
inconveniences caused to the passengers.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://adaderana.lk
