The Sri Lanka Railway Service, with a history spanning nearly 165 years, functions through the collective efforts of various roles within the Department of Sri Lanka Railways, including Engine Drivers, Train Controllers, Station Masters, and Railway Supervisory Managers.
Since its inception, the department has traditionally recruited only male officers for the positions of Engine Driver, Train Controller, and Railway Supervisory Manager. Female officers were first appointed to the post of Supervisory Manager only in 2012 and 2015.
In line with the government’s new economic policies, measures are now being taken to create opportunities for women’s recruitment in public sector positions that have historically been male-dominated.
Accordingly, based on a proposal submitted by the Acting Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted in-principle approval to recruit female officers to the posts of Locomotive Engine Driver, Railway Controller, Station Master, and Railway Supervisory Manager.
This decision was made under the powers vested in the Cabinet of Ministers in accordance with Article 55(1) of the Constitution, as the current recruitment procedures contain no provisions for appointing women to these roles.
