Railway union urges no train fare hike

Colombo, March 25 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Union (SLRSMU) today requested the government not to revise train fares, stating that a large number of people have turned to railway transport for their daily travel due to the rising cost of living.

SLRSMU General Secretary Kasun Chamara Jayasekara said the recent fuel price increase caused by the Middle East conflict has also affected Sri Lanka, resulting in higher transport and service costs across the country.

He recalled that, in line with guidelines issued by the Commissioner General of Essential Services, the public had been encouraged to use public transport to minimise travel expenses during the current economic difficulties.

Jayasekara said the union had continuously informed administrative and political authorities about the need to develop railway services, but the sector had continued to face various setbacks. He noted that the recent bus fare revision had placed an additional burden on the public, while fuel price increases had led to a rise in the cost of goods and services.

“As costs continue to increase, the railway service has been given a special responsibility in transporting passengers at an affordable rate. Therefore, increasing train fares at this time will severely affect the public,” he said.

He added that the union had repeatedly requested the relevant authorities to provide relief to commuters by improving railway facilities and expanding services, especially as passenger numbers have increased significantly during morning and evening peak hours at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.

Jayasekara further said that a proposal regarding the development of railway services had been submitted to the President, but no response had been received so far.