The leaves of Railway Assistant Guards have been canceled with immediate effect. All Assistant Guards who were scheduled for leave today were instructed to report to work before 12 noon.

This decision follows reports of a strike by railway under-guards who had called in sick the previous day, causing significant disruptions in train operations. The strike action was reportedly in response to an alleged assault on an under-guard by a security guard at the Maligawatta railway yard.

The sudden trade union action has had a direct impact on commuters, as many were left stranded at railway stations due to train delays and cancellations. The disruptions have inconvenienced passengers who rely on the railway system for their daily commute.

The cancellation of leave and the call for Assistant Guards to return to work are seen as efforts to address the ongoing issues and challenges within the railway sector