Public cannot be inconvenienced like this-Arjuna Ranathunga

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – Minister of Transport Arjuna Ranatunga says he will recruit retired railway employees in order to facilitate the railway service.

The Minister speaking in Parliament yesterday regarding the ongoing token strike launched by railway employees said if the strike persists retired railway employees will be brought in and vowed to provide solutions within a week.

Minister Ranatunga said while he is not threatening the railway employees, he said he cannot idly stand by while the public is being inconvenienced especially on a Friday.

The Transport Minister noted the government will in the end stand with the people.

Minister Arjuna Ranatunga also noted that they paved the way for talks with railway trade unions claiming they are still open to holding discussions.

The Department of Railways has lodged a complaint at the Fort Police Station against railways employees engaging in the ongoing strike action, hindering commuters and the service, by disregarding the gazette that was issued declaring Sri Lanka Railways an essential service.

The token strike launched by railway trade unions as of midnight yesterday is currently underway.

The strike is being carried out citing the failure of authorities to provide suitable solutions to concerns surrounding the grading system.