Minister of Railway, Felix Perera has decided not to have any talks while the Railway engine drivers are on strike as the strike entered yesterday the second day

Meanwhile, K A U Konthasinghe, Secretary, Railway Locomotive Engineers Union has said that they were not prepared to have talks after suspending the strike, but if necessary they were ready to discuss while they were on strike.

The railway strike was on for the second day on Wednesday, and commuters encountered immense difficulties.

Yesterday, only 71 trains were operated out of the 300 normal schedule and they were run by retired train drivers.

The lower grade employees of the Railway Department complained that their promotions have been suspended. However the Railway Minister said that the other demand of Supervisory Management Services appointments also cannot be granted.

In the meantime, the Railway Ministry has decided to increase the internal recruitment for the locomotive engine drivers from 30 percent to 50 percent. It was also decided to commence the train Driver Training course at the Ratmalana German Technical College belonging to the Railway Department.

Meanwhile, Government has decided to appoint 9 relief drivers with immediate effect, who have fulfilled the necessary entry requirements to the Technical College.

Government has also decided to pay an emolument of Rs 1,000 per day for train drivers, assistant drivers, head guards and assistant guards and the workforce and thus operating the train services without disruption.