Massive Strikes planned for Wednesday (15); Govt. warns of strict action - Here's a list of services that will likely be affected

by Zulfick Farzan 14-03-2023 | 12:14 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple sectors have decided to go on strike for 24-hours on Wednesday (15).

One of the main reasons for the strike is the government's latest tax policy, which professionals term as unfair. They have called for immediate reforms in the tax policy.

Health Services:

The Trade Union action, launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association on Monday (13), continued on Tuesday (14) across five provinces and is expected to go nation-wide on Wednesday (15).

The GMOA went on strike against the government's new tax regime, medicine shortage and several other social issues.

The All Ceylon Nurses' Union said it would support Wednesday's (15) strike action.

Postal Services:

The United Postal Services Trade Union Front said it would engage in a trade union action as planned on Wednesday (15).

It added that workers at the Central Mail Exchange will step away from duties from 4 PM on Tuesday (14).

Transportation Services:

The Locomotive Operating Engineers' Association of Sri Lanka Railways declared a 24-hour strike.

The strike will come into effect at midnight on Tuesday (14).

Education Services:

Prof. Shyama Banneheka, the Chairman of the Federation of University Teachers' Associations, said the strike by FUTA members will continue across all government universities.

The Joint Committee of University Trade Unions which also includes the non-academic staff at universities said they too will join the strike action on the 15th of March.

Port Services:

Trade Unions at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority have also announced that they would support Wednesday's (15) trade union action.

Electricity Services:

General Secretary of the CEB Employees' Union, Ranjan Jayalal said that all CEB employees will report sick on Wednesday (15) to support the nationwide trade union action.

The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers' Union has decided to support protests against the tax policy.

Joint Secretary of the CEBEU Buddhika Wijayawardhana said CEB Engineers will engage in a work to rule campaign for a week from Tuesday (14) and will report sick.

Government Response:

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunwardena said that any act to sabotage the essential services in the country will be termed as treason, and strict action would be taken.

"The IMF Directors will meet on the 20th to decide on the Extended Fund Facility for the country. As we cannot allow that process to be sabotaged, the government declared multiples services as essential services. If the law is violated, action will be taken based on the law," he warned.