Rail strike ends

A lightning strike by railway controllers from Monday night which inconvenienced thousands of train commuters including schoolchildren and office workers yesterday morning ended late afternoon after Transport Minister Felix Perera intervened.

The operation of trains on all lines was disrupted on account of the strike and the few trains which operated arrived way behind schedule. However, railway services were due to resume yesterday evening.

The strike was launched by train controllers demanding the reinstatement of rail workers interdicted following an accident in Veyangoda last year. They included the engine driver, assistant engine driver, chief controller, deputy chief controller and a station master who worked at Trains Control.

All except the station master had earlier been reinstated.Minister Perera, who considered requests for the station master's reinstatement, discussed the issue with the Public Service Commission and facilitated his reinstatement. The controllers and station masters called off the strike and reported for duty after the letter was delivered.

Commenting on the strike, the Minister said this was the 103rd train strike he faced after assuming duties as the Transport Minister. He had to intervene to solve the strikes. He urged transport unions not to strike as they affect the travelling public.

During the strike yesterday, some trains were held up for several hours near signal posts due to their non-operation. Most office workers who could not attend places of work on time were seen hopping into buses to return home. `From Kelaniya to Dematagoda, six trains were seen halted in a line one after the other for lack of signals. Among them were Vavuniya-Matara and Kandy-Colombo express trains.

Some trains were held up across level crossings causing traffic jams along some highways.

The Railway Controllers Union said the strike was launched to protest the authorities' failure to reinstate the railway controller interdicted in connection with a railway accident at Veyangoda in November last year.

Sumathipala Manawadu, Convenor, Organisation for the Protection of Railway Property said most railway workers have denounced this trade union action launched by controllers saying it demeaned the status of trade unions and their activities.

General Manager of Railways, Priyal de Silva held discussions with representatives of the Railway Controllers Union yesterday noon to seek a solution prior to their meeting with the Minister.

Khalid