CPC protest could impact fuel distribution – JSS

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The protests by CPC workers might have an impact on the distribution of fuel, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation’s (CPC) Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS), Convener, Ananda Palitha, said yesterday.

CPC workers were demonstrating in solidarity with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) United Trade Union Alliance, he said. Palitha said that almost all unions in the electricity, petroleum and ports were with the CEB workers.

“The CPC employees staged protests opposite the Sapugaskanda refinery and the Kolonnawa petroleum storage complex yesterday. The Wellampitiya Police tried to get a court order against our protest, but the magistrate rejected it,” he said.

Palitha added that the government had tried to pit the people against the unions but nobody had taken the government’s misinformation campaign seriously.

“Everyone knows that we are doing this for the sake of the country. Even government ministers are repeating what we have been saying. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to listen to the unions in their speechs at the SLPP anniversary. However, the people who actually have power in the government are bent on selling the country and antagonizing all progressive forces,” he said. (RK)