Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters Warn of Trade Union Action Over Safety and Signaling Failures

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Association (SLRSMA) has warned that it will launch trade union action in the near future if authorities fail to take immediate steps to address ongoing operational and safety issues within the Railway Department.

SLRSMA Chairman Sumedha Somaratne said train services on the Talaimannar railway line were resumed last week despite serious signaling defects, raising concerns over passenger safety. He noted that although operations have restarted, the damaged signaling system has yet to be properly restored.

According to Somaratne, train services on the single-track section between Medawachchiya and Talaimannar Pier are currently being operated under the "pilot method," a temporary procedure normally used only during exceptional situations such as signal failures. He alleged that the system has now become a regular operating practice, increasing operational risks.

He further stated that signaling issues on the Maho–Anuradhapura railway section also remain unresolved, with trains continuing to operate under temporary signaling arrangements.

Somaratne expressed concern that railway lines reconstructed at a cost of billions of rupees in public funds are now deteriorating due to inadequate maintenance and the failure to implement necessary operational improvements.

The Railway Station Masters' Association said it has already informed the relevant authorities in writing of the ongoing issues. It warned that unless effective solutions are introduced to resolve the signaling failures and operational challenges affecting railway stations, the association will proceed with trade union action.