Military deployed at railway stations, strike continues

Military personnel were deployed at thirty two train stations including Fort and Maradana today (13) morning. 

A senior police official said military assistance was sought to assist police officers to control crowds, prevent clashes between passengers and railway employees and to protect employees on duty during the strike. 

Despite President Wickremesinghe declaring train service as an  essential service yesterday, Locomotive Operating Engineers' Union vow to continue with their strike which was launched from September 11 midnight over a number of demands including salary hike and issues regarding promotions and recruitment.  

Passengers ranging from state and private sector employees to teachers, students, patients coming to state hospital clinics  were among those who were seen lamenting over train cancellations and delays. 

The Railway Department said 13 trains were cancelled today as a result of the locomotive operators strike. Though railway authorities announced that 40 office train services will operate today, over-crowded train platforms were seen during rush hours. 

About 30-40 train services were cancelled yesterday causing major inconvenience to commuters. Overcrowding of trains, claimed the life of a 20 year old technical college student from Gampaha who opted to travel on the roof of the train.

The Ministry of Transport today announced that the state will pay a sum of Rs.500,000 as compensation to the family of the deceased young commuter. 

Another commuter is presently being treated at the Ragama Teaching Hospital after he fell from an over-crowded Rambukkana bound express train from Fort. 

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the chaos and tragic death was a result of a trade union action by 84 locomotive drivers. 

Pix by M.A.Pushpakumara