The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a policy decision to allow the recruitment of women to several key positions within the Sri Lanka Railways Department, for the first time in the department’s 165-year history.
Until now, only men have been eligible for roles such as Railway Engine Driver, Train Controller, and Station Master. Women were first recruited to the post of Railway Supervisory Manager in 2012 and again in 2015.
The new decision, made in line with the government’s current economic policies, aims to expand opportunities for women in public sector roles traditionally held by men, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
The Cabinet’s approval had been granted under sub-article (1) of Article 55 of the Constitution, due to the absence of provisions for female recruitment in the department’s current regulations.
With this move, women will now be eligible for recruitment to the positions of Railway Engine Driver, Railway Superintendent, Station Master, and Railway Supervisory Manager. (Newswire)