News
Transport Ministry to amend regulations barring women stationmasters
View(s):By Ranjith Padmasiri
The Attorney General this week informed the Supreme Court that the Transport Ministry intends to present a Cabinet Paper to amend regulations that had barred female candidates from applying to become railway stationmasters.
State Counsel Nayanathara Balapatabendi, appearing for the Attorney General, informed this to the Supreme Court when fundamental rights petitions filed by two women challenging the gazette notification permitting only men to apply for the position of railway station master were taken up for hearing. The petitioners, Udayangani Jayatissa and Suresh Vidusha, argue that the gazette violates their fundamental rights as it prevents qualified and deserving women from applying to become railway
stationmasters.
When the petitions were taken up before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena along with Justices Kumuduni Wickramasinghe and Sampath Wijeratne, Ms. Balapatabendi further informed Court that the scheme of recruitment of railway stationmasters will be amended to enable both male and female candidates to apply for the position. Ms. Balapatabendi also raised a preliminary objection regarding the petitions.
She further informed court that Sri Lanka Railway’s scheme of recruitment will be further amended to enable both male and female candidates to apply for the posts of railway engine driver and railway guard.
Acting on a request made by State Counsel Balapatabendi, the Supreme Court ordered the AG’s Department to inform the Court on the progress of the amendments the government intends to introduce when the case is next taken up on October 30.
Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Bopage appeared for the petitioners.
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