INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
decided to call of their strike following discussions with the relevant authorities today (13 Sep.), during which their demands were met
with a favourable response, Ada Derana learns.Accordingly, all railway operations are expected to return to normalcy by tomorrow afternoon
key demands including the amendments to the recruitment process and promotions, which they claim fell on deaf ears for nearly five
years.Hundreds of commuters were afflicted by the trade unions, as more than 100 train journeys were cancelled after locomotive operating
engineers withdrew from duties, forcing several passengers to train-surf on overcrowded trains, while others were left stranded at railway
stations.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Tuesday (12 Sep.) issued a gazette notification last evening (12) declaring the public transport
services for passengers or goods and the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services by railway lines as essential
services with immediate effect under the Essential Public Service Act.
