A 48-hour industrial action by Sri Lankan railway trade unions began at midnight leading into September 17 after negotiations with the Government failed to resolve the dispute.
The industrial action involves a large number of railway trade unions and is scheduled to cover September 17 and 18.
The dispute includes a demand by unions for the removal of Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya.
Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake has said he could not agree to the demand for the General Manager's removal.
The unions have expressed a loss of confidence in the current railway administration and have raised concerns over the management of the service.
Those criticisms are claims made by the unions and should not be presented as established findings against the General Manager or other officials.
The strike comes while Sri Lanka Railways is already facing operational constraints.
A departmental report cited in recent reporting indicated that only 50 of 98 locomotives were operational, while the number required for normal operations was reported to be higher.
The industrial action is therefore taking place against an existing background of limitations in railway rolling stock and service capacity.
The beginning of the strike establishes that the previously announced industrial action has moved from a threat into active disruption.