19 March 2019 01:42 pm
A Matara bound train from Kandy had been blockaded by a group of protesters at the Abeygunawardana Crossing in Matara, the control room said.
Officials at the control Room said that the protectors had blocked the railway line demanding the removal of the bell and light security systems at unprotected railway crossings.
“Protection for the train, the security system had been deployed in the area,” they said.
“We have installed the best protection system for the safety of vehicles when crossing the railway line,” an official said.
“Protestors demand to remove the new system and to restore the crossings with bamboo gates so that those who were employed would not lose their jobs,” he said.
“Walking on railway tracks and crossing at an unprotected crossing is illegal according to the Railways Act,” he said.
“The Railways Department will not accept the responsibility of those who breach the regulation,” the official said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)