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Railways promises the very best from revamp, rejecting union negativity
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
The Railway Trade Union Alliance (RTUA) is objecting to the Government’s decision to convert Sri Lanka Railways from a department into an authority, but authorities believe that a restructuring process would be one solution to improve services.
A string of strikes, train delays, derailments, and poor service have been among the issues affecting train services.
The latest strike was last Monday. It forced the cancellation of some 30 train trips inconveniencing thousands of passengers.
Speaking against this backdrop, RTUA convener S P Vithanage said that although the Transport Minister says the Government is all set to bring about a structural change, and discussions have been held with all related bodies, it has all been left unchecked.
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- Commuters stranded due to a train strike. Pix by M A Pushpa Kumara
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- Railways logo
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- S P Vithanage
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- W A D S Gunasinghe
He underlined that “as with mergers and acquisitions issues, transforming the Sri Lanka Railways into an authority involves the displacement of one set of officials entrusted by related ministers who would seemingly respond to nepotism.”
“In fact, the question is about whether privatisation serves public concerns. Privatisation will be potent only if private-led administrations have incentives to act entirely for the welfare of the general public. This is why there is room for considerable doubt,” Mr Vithanage said.
Therefore, the RTUA considers that a shift in ownership or control from public to private hands will not always work best.
“When these requirements are not met, continued government involvement will be necessary. The mere shift in ownership from public to private hands will not reduce the cost or enhance the quality of service. It will only lead to the deprivation of employee privileges. This is quite apparent in light of past experiences,” Mr Vithanage stressed.
As a response to the streamlining process, rail fares and season ticket prices are expected to increase, reflecting the pitfalls of privatisation.
On the flip side, speaking to the Sunday Times, Railways General Manager W A D S Gunasinghe said that to increase the scope and value of Sri Lanka Railways, carrying out a variety of tasks that privatisation would deliver on its strategy would be a top-tier resolution.
“Although we cannot solve all of the challenges facing the rail industry overnight, Sri Lanka Railways, together with the ministry, are doing our best to help solve the concerns; working with the rail industry to create durable, reliable solutions and a better public service,” added Mr Gunasinghe.
“To make both trade unions and the Railway Department feel fulfilled, we suggest that a system that can privatise only one avenue be brought in as a pilot programme,” said another high official of Sri Lanka Railways.
“The pressing question is whether the Railways Department is on the verge of collapse owing to the ongoing employment issue, particularly concerning the non-implementation of the promotion procedure for engine drivers, engine driver assistants, and railway guards. Since 2006, promotions have been granted to the entire public service sector after 10 years of completion of service. This was initially scheduled for five years of completion. The Department has currently submitted a Cabinet paper requesting to reinstate the regulations that existed in recruitment. Yet, if this is eventually enacted along with the restructuring process, this will bring about a change to the entire public service,” he said.
“Hence, reshuffling would lead to a profound effect. Development in the entity could be least expected in all likelihood.’’
“Observing the need for restructuring, as an A-grade public entity in charge of both passenger and freight transit, Sri Lanka Railways intends to upgrade its services by coming to grips with present-day administrative, financial, and surveillance hindrances, rationalising operations, and strengthening competence,” said a senior Transport Ministry official.
“Hope is expressed that a structural change will be made to carry out the functioning of
Sri Lanka Railways more efficiently for the welfare of passengers while securing the rights of its workforce. The nominees of this specific expert committee are to be presented to the Cabinet tomorrow (31),” he added.
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