Estate workers stage protest free of political interference

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A demonstration free of political interference was held at Galle Face green today (October 24) demanding that the daily wage of plantation workers be increased to Rs. 1000. This was a peaceful demonstration organised by people with genuine intentions. Each and every individual who participated in this demonstration demanding a Rs. 1000 daily wage for estate workers was an organiser. The protesters who had gathered devoid of any political motivation or interference were all attired in black. Whilst the joint agreement on estate workers wages has expired, this demonstration was precipitated by the failure of discussions held to reach a fresh agreement. A notable feature of this demonstration was that it had been organised in a manner that did not inconvenience the public. The demonstrators did not allow any political party representative to become involved in the protest. Speaking to News 1st, the protestors had this to say--

-- There is no political interference whatsoever here. This was organised by all the people together. We need to ask the rulers who increase the price of everything, why they cannot give the workers Rs. 1000 a day. -