Six night trains reportedly cancelled ahead of planned railway strike

Railway authorities have confirmed that at least six night train services scheduled to operate tonight have been cancelled in anticipation of a planned railway trade union strike scheduled to take effect tomorrow. The preemptive cancellations primarily affect major long-distance night mail and intercity routes originating from Colombo Fort toward key regional destinations.

Department officials indicated that the decision was taken to prevent trains, crew members, and hundreds of passengers from becoming stranded midway along remote tracks once strike actions officially commence at midnight. Key services operating along the Northern, Batticaloa, and Upcountry railway corridors are among those affected by the cancellations.

Railway trade unions declared the strike over longstanding grievances, including unresolved salary anomalies, recruitment deficits, and operational safety issues. While Ministry of Transport officials have invited union leaders for urgent conciliation talks to avert widespread disruption, public commuters across suburban and rural corridors have been advised to arrange alternate road transportation.