Sri Lanka: Strike causes rail disruptions December 7-8​

Event

A 48-hour railway workers' strike in Sri Lanka launched around 00:00 (local time) on Thursday, December 7, has reportedly resulted in widespread rail transportation disruptions throughout the country. Many regularly scheduled long-distance trains - including all originating from the Colombo Fort railway station - and all night mail trains scheduled on Thursday have been canceled; in total, some 200 trains had been canceled as of Thursday morning. Some commuter trains in Colombo and its surrounding suburbs remained in service on Thursday. The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has provided extra bus services for affected commuters amid the ongoing railway strike.

The ongoing railway workers' strike is expected to continue in the coming hours - and possibly into the coming several days - as negotiations held Thursday between the workers and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation reportedly failed. More transport unions are also expected to join the strike, according to local media reports. Significant rail transportation disruptions are expected throughout Sri Lanka in the coming hours and days.

Context

The strike was organized by the Locomotive Engineering Operators' Union (LEOU) to protest the government's existing recruitment process for assistant engine drivers.

Advice

Individuals present in Sri Lanka, particularly in Colombo, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm their travel reservations and itineraries, and anticipate transportation disruptions.