The Ceylon Bank Employees Union staged a token strike to voice their objection over the budget proposals.

Executive Committee Member, Keshara Kottegoda stated that 30,000 bankers from 20 banks, including the private banks, are taking part in the strike action.

He also said that there is an issue in carrying out operations at both state and private banks along with the proposals that were presented with the budget, adding that they have held discussions with the government in this regard.

Keshara Kottegoda went onto note that they also held discussions with the prime minister. He states however that a solution was not reached on the matter, and therefore they are carrying out this protest to exert pressure on the government.

He stressed that if the government keeps a closed ear to their demands, they hope to rally around with other trade unions in the country and launch a massive strike action.

A number of banks were closed on Tuesday December 15.