Trains run without any major disruption

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: Trains operated without disruption yesterday despite threats by certain railway trade unions to launch a one day islandwide strike from Sunday midnight.

General Manager of Railways Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan told the Daily News that all the trains scheduled for yesterday were operated as usual except for a few delays on the Kelani Valley and Main Lines.

"The unions had informed us that 10,000 out of the 17,000 railway workers will be taking part in the strike. But the trade union action failed to have any impact on the train service," he said.

However, the GMR said several 'unusual' incidents that might amount to sabotage were reported during the last three days.

"A railway guard was assaulted in Anuradhapura while an engine driver was also attacked on Saturday.

A suspicious signal failure occurred at Hunupitiya causing several trains to be delayed".

The 'Sagarika' train on the coastal line was also delayed due to the frequent pulling of the emergency chain by an unidentified person while the Fort station had been blocked with stones and wood last morning.

Dr. Gunaruwan said the railway security service was investigating into the incidents to find out whether they were the acts of saboteurs. "We do not dispute the right of the workers to strike. However, while exercising their right they must also safeguard the rights of other employees to work," he emphasised.

The representatives of the United Front of Railway Trade Unions who organised the strike were not available for comment.