The decision to provide train driver training to 20 Sri Lanka Army officers has been temporarily suspended, Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena said.

He stated that the move was taken in view of the ongoing strike by train drivers, which could disrupt transport arrangements for students sitting the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination this year.

Elaborating on the matter, Gunasena said the Government strongly condemned the trade union action.

“We view this with strong disapproval. During the recent Diktiya cyclone, the Army extended immense support to the Railway Department, the Transport Department and the Ministry. They assisted in repairing railway tracks and have been helping to restore train engines at Ratmalana for the past two months. Army engineers have also installed bailey bridges. We have clearly seen the extent of the Army’s contribution,” he said.

He noted that the Ministry had experienced first-hand the value of having a trained group capable of stepping in during emergencies.

“It was with that understanding that we decided to provide professional training to these 20 officers. However, nearly 450,000 students are due to sit the Ordinary Level examination this time. If even one student faces transport difficulties in reaching this important milestone due to unnecessary trade union action, that is something we cannot accept,” he added.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister announced that the 20 Army officers selected for train driver training would be withdrawn from the programme on a temporary basis.