The Railway Joint Trade Union Alliance has decided to proceed with its planned two-day token strike on September 17 and 18, after talks with the Ministry of Transport failed to produce a decision on the future of the incumbent General Manager of Railways.

Alliance Co-Convener Kasun Chamara Jayasekara said the unions would not alter their previously announced strike plans as the government had yet to reach a firm decision on the matter.

The decision follows a meeting held today (14) between the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and representatives of several railway trade unions to discuss the proposed industrial action.

During the meeting, union representatives raised concerns over administrative and operational issues within the Railway Department, as well as disruptions affecting passenger services.

The unions said they had completely lost confidence in the current General Manager and insisted that he be removed from his post immediately.

They said the trade union action was aimed at rebuilding the Railway Department, improving operational efficiency and providing a better service to passengers.

The Ministry Secretary reportedly acknowledged that rebuilding the Railway Department was the genuine objective of the unions and said it was inappropriate to issue a letter seeking an explanation from the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union.

However, he said he required additional time to reach a final decision on whether the General Manager should be removed.

The unions rejected the request, saying the issue had remained unresolved for nearly two years and that they could not grant any further time.

As no agreement was reached to suspend or cancel the planned strike, the unions said the industrial action would proceed on September 17 and 18 as scheduled.