Preparation for an islandwide strike on 15th Tuesday

Preparation for an islandwide strike on 15th Tuesday

Special announcement from Prime Minister today

The government, semi-government and private trade unions had got together and come into a

decision of staging a united strike tomorrow (15).

Because the discussion held on Saturday afternoon with the Prime Minister in respect of issues concerning the 2016 Budget was a failure, convenor Mr.Saman Deshapriya who called a media briefing had informed that government, semi-government and the private trade union would be engaging in this strike. He emphasises that the response given in relation to increase of salaries was "we'll do" and 'we'll try to do"; therefore going in for a planned strike is unavoidable. Accordingly, Mr. Ratnapriya says that the strike of the Health Sector would be launched at 7.00 a.m. on the forthcoming 15th and the strike in sectors such as the Railways would be enforced from midnight on the 14th.

Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremasingha who was informed of this strike is expected to make a special statement in parliament today, it was reported. The Ministerial Office announced that the Prime Minister would be making that speech explaining the standpoint of the government in relation to the demand made by them at discussions held with trade union representatives.

As decided, no change has been effected about preparation to engage in the strike by government, semi-government and private trade unions tomorrow the 15th as so far determined.