A railway union strike in Sri Lanka has caused major disruptions to train services, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded or risking their safety on dangerously overcrowded trains. The strike, initiated by the Station Masters’ Union, was called to address issues such as filling vacancies and resolving administrative matters.
As a result of the strike, hundreds of scheduled train journeys were canceled on Wednesday, forcing passengers to contend with limited and overcrowded train services. Images broadcasted on local TV stations depicted individuals clinging to the sides of trains and balancing on slippery footboards due to the rain, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by commuters.
Many passengers, like Anura Samantha, were unable to reach their destinations and opted to return home. Samantha, a commuter from Gampaha, expressed frustration at the situation, stating that the overcrowded trains and buses made it impossible for him to travel to work in Colombo.
Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena criticized the strike, noting that the government was actively working to address the concerns raised by the union. He emphasized that the strike was launched abruptly, further exacerbating the challenges faced by commuters.
This strike is not the first to impact Sri Lanka's train services, with previous incidents resulting in tragic consequences. In a similar strike in September, two passengers lost their lives due to overcrowding on trains. These incidents underscore the urgent need for improvements in the country's railway infrastructure, which has suffered from years of neglect and mismanagement.
Sri Lanka's train services have long been plagued by substandard conditions, including poorly maintained compartments and tracks. The frequent occurrence of strikes has only added to the existing challenges, leading to delays and safety concerns for passengers.
