The Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union has announced that engine drivers will strictly adhere to prescribed speed limits going forward, warning that the move may result in delays to rail services across the network.
Union President Jeeva Gunawardena said the decision was taken after the staff of the ‘Sagarika’ Express train were suspended following the recent derailment at Wadduwa railway station. He emphasised that the move does not constitute trade union action, but a return to strict operational compliance.
Gunawardena said the Wadduwa derailment occurred during normal operations and not in an area subject to temporary speed restrictions, stressing that it was not the result of any intentional act or negligence by the driver or crew. After the union pointed out the suspension was unwarranted, the affected crew reported for duty but were kept off active service.
The union has protested the decision to suspend only the train crew, citing longstanding technical shortcomings within the railway system. According to Gunawardena, locomotives currently in operation have multiple defects and track maintenance remains inadequate.
“Furthermore, we usually ensure trains run on time by having the driver take personal risks with their job security,” he said, adding that drivers will no longer take such risks under current conditions.
He also said that about 80% of operating trains lack functional speedometers and other equipment needed to accurately monitor speed, making strict compliance a meaningful operational change. The union has called on authorities to provide a clear timeframe to address these issues, warning that failure to do so may compel drivers to withdraw from operating defective trains altogether.
The announcement follows a second Sagarika derailment at Kompannavidiya on April 25, compounding rail disruption on the coastal line.
