Colombo (News 1st): Railways General Manager Dilantha Fernando noted that he has lodged a complaint regarding the employees of the Railway Department initiating a trade union action in spite of the service being an essential service.

He said that accordingly, the courts will take necessary action against the workers for alleged violation of the Emergency Regulations.

Meanwhile, the Railway Superintendent Gamini Seneviratne stated that amidst the trade union action seven trains from Kandy, Rambukkana, Matara, Galle, Mahawa, Chilaw and Avissawella operated to Colombo Fort this morning.

The Railway department noted that even though 48 trains operated on a weekday morning, due to the current trade union action only 7 trains operated. Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Railways stated that more trains will be operated this afternoon with the assistance of the retired officials.

The Railway Trade Unions stated that the strike launched at midnight yesterday (June 7) demanding the removal of salary anomalies in several grades has been successful. The strike will continue until midnight tonight (June 28).