The Railways Department has appointed an investigation committee to look into alleged irregularities that occurred in the purchasing of 8 train engines from India during the tenure of the previous regime, the Sunday Observer learns.
As per the allegations put forward by trade unions of the department a massive loss has been incurred due to 8 train engines purchased through the Indian credit line.
A trade unionist attached to the Department said on grounds of anonymity that the Sri Lankan Railway Engineers had approved to bring down the engines which were made according to the requirements of the Indian railway system. “These trains had been originally designed for long-distance goods transportation in India. But that engine had failed there and they sent the failed products to Sri Lanka under their credit line”, he said.
The main allegation is that the weight of these engines is more than the average used in Sri Lanka and it caused derailing consistently. Recent derailments in Maradana and Galgamuwa both happened due to this reason, sources at the Railway Department revealed.
However, General Manager of Railways Dilantha Fernando refuted the accusations.
“It is a lie. And that’s why we have appointed a committee to look into this matter”, he said. Despite several attempts, the State Minister of Railway Services was not available for comment.