Teachers, Principals, Activists, Fishermen stage over 40 protests

COLOMBO (News 1st); Trade Unions in Sri Lanka declared Tuesday (9) as a National Protest Day, demanding solutions to a plethora of issues. Teachers : Over 40 protests by Trade Unions took place across the country, and these TUs represented Teachers, Principals, Farmers, and other sectors. A massive protest by teachers took place at the Mawanella Town demanding acting against the Deputy Chairman of the Mawanella Pradeshiya Sabha who threatened parents at the Mederigama Vidyalaya, in Mawanella, who were supporting the protests by teachers. Teachers from 137 schools in the Mawanella Education Zone protested opposite the Mawanella Police and condemned the action of police for failing to take action against the local politician. At the same time, Teachers and Principals protested in several location including Colombo, demanding the solution to the salary anomaly crisis, Similar protests took place opposite Zonal Education Offices across the country. Health Sector: 16 Trade Unions in the health sector protested on Tuesday (9) citing several demands including pending promotions and salary anomalies. "If the Government is not listening to us Health Workers, and if the Finance Minister does not discuss this with us, we will continue with this and launch a strike," said College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) President, Ravi Kumudesh. These protests took place at the National Hospital, Kandy General Hospital as well as the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. The All Ceylon Health Service Union also protested on Tuesday (9) demanding a salary hike of Rs. 10,000/- as well as uniform and overtime allowances. University Students: The main student body of the Peradeniya University protested at the Galaha Junction, demanding authorities re-open universities in accordance with the health guidelines. Railway Workers: Workers attached to the Sri Lanka Railways Workshop in Ramalana also protested on Tuesday (9) seeking a salary hike of Rs. 10,000/-. Three-Wheeler Drivers: Members of the Professional Three-Wheeler Drivers Association protested in a motorcade from Pannipitiya to Maharagama against the increasing prices of fuel, goods, and spare parts. Pensioners: The National Organization to protect the rights of pensioners protested in Kurunegala against the proposed scheme to charge a premium from the pension for an insurance program. Fishermen: Fishermen in Galle protested early on Tuesday (9) against the rising prices of fuel and equipment. They have also reprimanded the government over the failure in seeking proper compensation for local fishermen following the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster. Women's Rights: The Right's For Women movement protested in Galle, Gampaha, and Ranna on Tuesday (9) against the present issues faced by the people. Muthurahawela: Several movements including the Organization to Protest the Muthurajawela Wetlands protested on Tuesday (9) against the government's attempt to take over lands.