Railway unions today called off their strike following discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena, in Polonnaruwa, this morning. 

At the discussions, the President instructed officials to implement the Cabinet presented on resolving salary anomalies in the railway sector.

Upon this assurance, railway unions decided to call off their union action. 

However, Finance and Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera said no discussion would be held with railway unions as long as they continue the trade union action. 

Disregarding Samaraweera's remarks, President Sirisena decided to hold discussions with train unions while the strike was underway. 

President Sirisena contradicted his Finance Minister several times in the recent past over key policy matters.