July 23, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters Association says that it has withdrawn from the normal ticket issuing activities at all railway stations from 06.00 pm today (23) in opposition to the revised railway fares.

The Association said its trade union action will continue for 48 hours.

S. Kasun Chamara, the general secretary of the trade union, said his association is engaged in trade union action to protest the disciplinary action taken against the station masters by the authorities for refraining from the implementation of the new fare revision from today.

The cabinet also approved the increase in train fares from today. Accordingly, General Manager of Railways Dhammika Jayasundara said the fare revision is effective from today.

The General Manager of Railways further stated that the station masters who do not do so will be responsible for the revenue lost to the government and action will be taken against them.

Kasun Chamara said although it was decided to revise train fares, there were certain discrepancies and concerns with the Gazette Notification and the decision taken. The Department of Railways was informed of the concerns but they were ignored, he said adding that an opportunity to discuss the issues was also not given.

The revised railway fares are also to be displayed at every railway station from today.

However, the Railway Station Masters’ Association said the railway fare revision cannot be implemented from today and they are ready to implement it from the first of August.

According to the new railway fare revision, the minimum railway fare which was 10 rupees will increase to 20 rupees as of midnight yesterday.

The minimum fare of the second class will be Rs.50 while the minimum fare of the first class will be Rs.100. The price of a platform ticket will also be increased to Rs.20.