The Sri Lanka Army has been deployed to provide security at 32 Railway Stations across the country due to the strike action by Sri Lanka Locomotive Operating Engineers Union.
Army Spokesman, Brigadier Ravi Herath told NewsWire, that the Army personnel were deployed from early this morning to ensure the safety of passengers, the public, and working railway employees.
Brigadier Herath further stated that the measure was taken based on a request from the Railway Department and the Police.
Several train services were cancelled yesterday due to the strike action, severely inconveniencing the public and resulting in the death of a 20-year-old and injury of another passenger.
The Department of Railways says a total of 13 scheduled trains have been cancelled today as well due to the ongoing strike action.
However, the Department added that nearly 40 train services have been scheduled to operate during the course of the day (Sep 13).
The train services have been scheduled to operate on the main railway line, and Puttalam and Kelani Valley Railway lines, while certain night mail trains will also be in operation.
The Sri Lanka Locomotive Operating Engineers Union is engaged in the strike action despite President Ranil Wickremesinghe having issued a Gazette notification yesterday declaring railway services an essential service. (NewsWire)