Sri Lanka's Railway Station Masters' Association has warned of potential trade union action after authorities failed to address longstanding administrative, service, and audit-related concerns affecting railway operations.
The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Association (SLRSMA) has issued a warning that it will pursue industrial action if the government does not resolve multiple outstanding issues within a reasonable timeframe. The association stated that despite repeated requests for dialogue with relevant authorities, including the Ministry Secretary, substantive discussions have not taken place.
Among the grievances cited by the SLRSMA are delays spanning over two years in appointing District Transport Inspectors, despite recruitment processes having been completed. The association argues that this backlog has hampered essential administrative functions, particularly disciplinary inquiries. Additionally, the SLRSMA has raised concerns about the implementation of service constitution provisions and recruitment procedures that directly impact station masters' employment terms.
The association further highlighted systemic operational challenges affecting railway services, including incomplete audit processes at several stations, disruptions to daily train schedules, inadequate infrastructure facilities, and insufficient funding for service requirements. The SLRSMA contends that station masters face unfair targeting through measures such as train service reductions and maintain that checking train arrivals and departures represents only a limited aspect of the broader audit framework.
The association has stressed that its primary objective is to secure prompt administrative and service-related decisions from relevant authorities to maintain reliable and efficient railway operations for the public. The warning signals potential coordination with other railway trade unions should management fail to engage constructively on these matters.
