The Sri Lankan Government is trying to suppress the voice of trade unions
Currently the Sri Lankan government is taking many stubborn decisions without considering the issues of the public in many fields such as economical, agriculture, education & health. As a result of those decisions the cost of living has increased and people are facing many problems. Thus, public and trade unions are raising their voice against the government and conducting some protesting campaigns island wide.
The government of Sri Lanka is trying to control the situation and to secure their power by using the COVID 19 pandemic, quarantine act and circulars issued by the Director General of Health Services, Sri Lanka. They are arresting people and sending them for quarantine by force.
Last Thursday (08th of June) the general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union Mr. Joseph Starlin, union members and university students were arrested by the police while they were conducting a protesting campaign against unfair decisions taken by the government on the educational system of the country. After they were produced at the courts they were released on bail. But, the government sent them for quarantine to a rural centre by force with the support of the police. Further, the government has not provided them with the basic facilities even at the quarantine centres. Prior to this incident, the government had arrested around 250 various political activists and public (farmers, social activists etc.) who were attending protesting campaigns.
Therefore, as the first step to protest that, we called a trade union leaders’ meeting today (11th June) and we wish to conduct a protesting campaign on Wednesday (14th July) and a islandwide protest on 16th of June. Further, we are holding discussions with the layers’ association and planning to file some cases at the supreme courts. In addition, we wish to forward international complaints to the International Labour Organization, European Union, and International trade unions regarding this current suppressing situation in the country.
We wish to continue these actions until the release of Mr. Joseph Starlin and others.
Video Link – https://fb.watch/v/WtttURA6/
Saman Rathnapriya
The President – Government Nursing Officers’ Association
Chairman -National Trade Union Front
The President – Health Services Trade Union Alliance Sri Lanka
