evidence: Sri Lankans are well accustomed to railway strikes. They happen so often that most of the commuters believe that it’s the norm, when it should not be so. The public, who purchase a ticket, should be able to rely on them working on time, and being of good standards. However this is not the reality, with the railway service being inefficient, lethargic and at times, simply absent. Forcing commuters to brave the elements and try their luck with the equally woeful public bus services that are available. The Railways Department, affiliated trade unions and the Ministry of Transport should take collective responsibility for the latest death, and for many others which occur due to over-filled carriages. Every year, millions of Sri Lankans rely on the service to commute to and from work, and to visit their homes. However, unlike in other countries, the Sri Lankan rail commuter is at the mercy of trade unions, poor maintenance and management and infrequent service. In many developed countries, rail transport is a key mode of transport, which usually has less of a carbon footprint, and is also favoured in highly urban settings. Cities, industry and suburbs are bridged by rail, with an effective service run to a well-planned time table. Rail services in foreign countries are mostly privatised.