Women Can Now Apply for All Sri Lanka Railway Jobs

Women will now be eligible to apply for all positions in the Sri Lanka Railway Service, following a decision approved by the Cabinet, the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court.

The announcement was made by Senior State Counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney General during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by two women challenging a Gazette notification that barred women from applying for Station Master positions.

The petition was heard before a three-judge bench comprising Justices Janak de Silva, Priyantha Fernando, and Achala Wengappuli.

Senior State Counsel Nayanathara Balapatabendi told the court that the Cabinet had granted approval for the policy change at its meeting held on November 3.

Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Bopage, representing the petitioners, informed the court that since the relief sought through the petition had been granted, the petitioners consented to conclude the proceedings.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court ordered the conclusion of the case.

The petition had been filed by Ayeshani Jayawardena and Suresh Vidusha against the General Manager of Railways and other respondents. It challenged a recently issued Gazette notification for the recruitment of Station Masters, which restricted applications to men only.

The petitioners argued that the restriction violated their fundamental rights by denying women equal access to public sector employment.