Sri Lankan Train Drivers Strike Looms as Union Protests Military Recruitment

Colombo, Feb. 17 – Sri Lanka’s Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union (LOEU) has announced plans for a strike action commencing tonight, in response to the government’s decision to train military officers as train drivers. The move, discussed during a recent meeting for newly recruited train drivers, has sparked strong opposition from the union.

LOEU Secretary D.C. Edirisinghe stated that the industrial action is a direct protest against the inclusion of military personnel in the train driver training program. The union views this decision as detrimental to the established practices within the railway sector.

The potential strike raises concerns about disruptions to Sri Lanka’s rail services. Further details regarding the scope and duration of the strike action are expected to be released by the LOEU in the coming hours.