News
Mechanical deficiencies, suspected sabotage, politics endanger rail services
View(s):By Senuka Jayakody
Police investigating the delay of an Anuradhapura-bound train from the Fort owing to a cable issue suspect drug addicts for causing damage at the Kelaniya railway station.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana, who suspects sabotage, has sought a CID investigation into the incident. Peliyagoda police are continuing day-night patrols at the location.
The train to Anuradhapura was delayed for 30 minutes on its maiden voyage on October 8, in the presence of Mr Gunawardana. He told the weekly Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, the cable damage could have been deliberate and that he will initiate an internal investigation in addition to filing a complaint with the CID.
The Uttara Devi heading to Colombo from Jaffna derailed in Thambuttegama recently. Pic by Samantha Darmakeerthi
He also pointed to the derailment of the Uttara Devi heading to Colombo from Jaffna on October 8 in Thambuttegama, Senarathgama, on the Mahawa-Anuradhapura-Omanthai track. Passengers were transferred to a bus for the remainder of the journey.
“I think there might be some group expecting to destroy any action that is beneficial to the country,” he said. “I request everyone to join hands and help continue the train service in these times when the people are suffering.”
Mr Manura Peiris, secretary of the Sri Lanka Railway Guards Union, said drug addicts may have stolen items, including the cables. Since security guards cannot be placed across the network, the Railway Department is considering underground wiring.
“First of all, the entire system is an issue,” he asserted. “Excess employees are placed in needless places due to political influence. And incompatible engines are imported.”
Even if a cable issue occurred, suitable employees at the right places could ensure a quick repair, said Sumedha Somaratne, chairman of the Stationmasters’ Union. “The responsible officials are entirely at fault for the delay.”
K.A.U. Konthasinghe, president of the Locomotive Operating Engineers Union, supported a CID investigation. Separately, he said the Mahawa-Anuradhapura-Omanthai track is weak and tenders had been delayed owing to the economic crisis. Repairs are due to be carried out through an Indian-funded project, which was to have started in September but postponed.
“The problem was the time taken to fix the track,” Mr Konthasinghe said. “That train derailed at 10 am and it was 2 am the next day when it was fixed.”
Mr Somaratne, too said, the Mahawa to Omathai track was weak and may have caused the derailment and not sabotage. He feels that a CID investigation is unnecessary. If the Railway Department’s security division did its
job well, sabotage cannot happen anywhere.
Suspects arrested for sabotage will be charged under the Offences Against Public Property Act, said SSP Nihal Thalduwa, the police spokesman. “Since this concerns passenger trains that deal with human lives, the offence can be greater.’’
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!