Army personnel have been deployed to ensure the security of Colombo Fort and Maradana railway stations, according to the Department of Railways in Sri Lanka.
This decision was made in response to a request from station masters and locomotive operating engineers who are currently working during an ongoing strike. The strike, initiated by the Locomotive Operating Engineers' Union, began on Monday at midnight due to various demands, including delays in recruitment and promotions.
Over a hundred train services have been canceled, causing significant disruption for commuters. As a result, overcrowding on the few operational trains has led to unsafe conditions, with some passengers resorting to train surfing.
The situation at the Maradana railway station escalated further when a youth tragically fell to their death from an overcrowded train near the station, causing frustration and anger among commuters.
