Trade union sources said the Minister had agreed to respond favourably to two demands but has failed to consider the rest of the demands. Among these demands is the introduction of a new salary formula.

As the demands have not been met, the workers have decided to continue their trade union action, hampering the widely used railway transport service.

As a result of this action, over 200 trains did not operate yesterday, Railway Control Room sources said. According to the Superintendent of Railway Transport K.A. Chandratilleke, only 67 trains operated on May 4.

Minister Perera said he did not approve of the strike action after a decision was reached during the talks. He expressed regret that commuters have faced difficulties as a consequence.