14 September 2026
Twenty-seven trade unions representing employees across Sri Lanka Railways have announced a 48-hour token strike on 17 and 18 September, demanding the removal of Railway General Manager (GM) Ravindra Pathmapriya and the withdrawal of a letter issued to a union leader over comments made to the media.
According to the unions, the dispute centres on what they describe as an attempt to suppress trade union activity and public discussion of problems affecting railway services. The unions argue that employees and their representatives have a responsibility to highlight issues such as train delays, locomotive and compartment shortages, service cancellations, and passenger inconvenience.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union General Secretary Kasun Chamara Jayasekara said railway workers had repeatedly sought a meeting with the General Manager to discuss operational and administrative problems but had not been given an opportunity to do so. He said the 27 unions represent a broad cross-section of railway employees, including station masters, train controllers, drivers, cabin staff, shunting workers, station employees, and workers at the Ratmalana Railway Workshop.
Freedom of Expression
The unions have also objected to a letter seeking an explanation from Jayasekara over public comments he made regarding railway operations. They contend that the move violates rights guaranteed to trade union representatives under the Constitution, the Establishments Code, and the Trade Unions Ordinance. As a result, the unions are demanding both the withdrawal of the letter and the appointment of a new General Manager.
Jayasekara warned that if the Government fails to address their concerns, the unions may escalate their action to an indefinite strike. He also noted that railway passenger associations had expressed support for the planned industrial action, which he described as unprecedented.
Responding to the allegations, GM Pathmapriya rejected claims that he had taken disciplinary action against the union leader, stating that he had only requested an explanation regarding certain public statements. He maintained that sensitive information relating to the Railway Department should be handled responsibly and said decisions regarding his position rest with the Government.
The trade unions are scheduled to meet officials of the Transport and Highways Ministry before the planned strike. However, unless their demands are met, railway services across the country could face significant disruption on 17 and 18 September.