Countrywide strike called off

Over 1,000 trade unions had decided to call off their countrywide strike, Convenor of the Trade Union Coordinating Centre (TUCC) Wasantha Samarasinghe said.

Ravi Kumudesh of the Collective of Trade Unions and Mass Organisations said that there was an attempt by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his associates to blame the trade union action for various economic issues in the country.

“They are trying to blame us for the shortages of fuel, medicines and other essential items, power cuts the inability to pay salaries and all other economic issues. We don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression,” he said.

Kumudesh said that President Rajapaksa must resign immediately. However, as responsible unions, they were also not willing to let the economy collapse due to the arrogant attitude of the President.

“This man is making the country a hellhole. But he is not leaving. But we will recommence the struggle in a different way. We will ensure Gota leaves,” he said.

Over 1,000 trade unions started a union action on Monday (09) against Monday’s goon attacks on anti-government protesters in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association (SASA), the Station Masters’ Union, the CEB Joint Trade Union Alliance, the trade unions of teachers and principals, all trade unions affiliated with the health sector and many unions, had pledged support for the countrywide strike. (RK)