Protests against NFE deal spreadacross country

By Saman Indrajith

Protests were held across the country yesterday with the workers of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Ports Authority resorting to joint trade union against the government’s questionable deal with the US firm, New Fortress Energy (NFE) and the sale of strategic assets to foreign companies.

Protests were also held by the Railway and Health trade unions.

The protesting unions claim that the transfer of 40 percent of shares of Yugadanavi Power Station to NFE and awarding a contract to the same company to supply LNG to Sri Lanka’s power stations without any tender procedure would have a devastating effect on what the protesters call the country’s energy sovereignty.

A large number of protesters were seen opposite the CEB head office in Fort while employees of the CPC gathered in front of the Sapugaskanda oil refinery yesterday afternoon. The protesters alleged the NFF deal was the first step toward the privatisation of CEB assets.

Members of the Ports Unions Joint Alliance gathered opposite the Khan clock tower, and demanded that the government stop handing over the control of the West terminal to India and the South terminal to China. They also demanded an end to manpower agencies.

All Ceylon Railway Employees Union said the protests would be held opposite the Railway Headquarters.

Nurses too protested in all hospitals demanding a salary increase from Budget 2022.

Parents too gathered in front of many schools urging the government to rectify the long standing salary anomalies affecting principals and teachers and to increase budgetary allocations for the education sector.