The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Association (SLRSMA) has threatened trade union action if authorities fail to urgently resolve unresolved signalling defects that it says are compromising safety on key railway lines.
The warning was issued by Association Chairman Sumedha Somaratne, who said the matter had already been formally communicated in writing to the relevant authorities.
Somaratne's chief concern centres on the Medawachchiya to Talaimannar Pier section, where he said train operations are currently being run under what is known as the "pilot method."
He explained that this approach is meant to be used only in exceptional situations, such as temporary signal failures, yet it has instead become the standard mode of operation on the single-track line, raising serious questions about the safety of continued services there.
He linked this directly to the resumption of services on the Talaimannar railway line last week, noting that trains had returned to the line despite serious defects in the signalling system that have yet to be properly addressed.
No adequate repair or restoration work has been carried out on the damaged signalling infrastructure since services resumed, he said, leaving the line to operate under conditions he described as unsafe.
Somaratne also pointed to similar unresolved problems in the Maho to Anuradhapura section, where train movements are likewise continuing under temporary signalling arrangements rather than a fully restored system.
He expressed particular concern that railway lines rebuilt at a cost of billions of rupees in public funds are now being allowed to deteriorate due to a lack of proper maintenance and operational upgrades, undermining the value of that investment.
The Association reiterated that it would proceed with trade union action should the authorities fail to deliver effective solutions to the signalling failures and broader operational challenges facing railway stations across these sections.
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