March 15, 2023, Colombo: Several trade unions attached to several sectors are on strike today (March 15) against the conduct of the government, including the electricity tariff hike, the unfair tax policy revision and other such unpopular decisions.
Accordingly, the Professionals’ Trade Union Alliance (PTUA), a collective of over 30 multi-sectoral trade unions of several sectors, including power, water, education, medical, banking, postal, ports and railways, are set to engage in today’s 24-hour token strike.
The Sri Lanka Railway Department has confirmed that only 10 office trains are being operated this morning (March 15) due to the collective trade union action launched today against the government. The President’s Media Division (PMD) also stated that police officers would be deployed to ensure the safety of passengers and the railway employees who report to work.
Medical Services:
The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) went on strike as planned across the Western, Central, Southern and Eastern Provinces on Monday, March 13, 2023.
Banking Services:
March 15, 2023: BOC General Manager Russel Fonseka confirmed that 265 Bank Of Ceylon (BOC) branches, including the Head Office and all divisions, are operating, as usual, to serve the public with banking services despite the ongoing strike; the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
People’s Bank Acting CEO/GM Clive Fonseka confirmed that 272 Branches out of the 340 are fully functional, with attendance reported at over 75% as of 10.30 AM today, the PMD said.
Sri Lanka Transport Services:
March 15, 2023: Sri Lanka Transport Board Chairman Lalith de Alwis confirmed that all 107 depots operate according to the regular timetable at 11.00 a.m. Out of 8 unions, 7 are fully cooperative, excluding the JVP Union, the PMD said.
Railway Services:
March 15, 2023: The Railway Department General Manager (GMR) W.A.D.S. Gunasinghe confirmed that 21 train services had operated by 8 a.m. this morning for the convenience of commuters despite the union action.
The trains were not operated this morning as usual due to the members of the locomotive operators union not reporting to work. However, we ran the trains with the help of the senior drivers. He also said that several trains during the day might get cancelled due to the shortage of locomotive operators, and the scheduled trains to be operated during the day will be announced.
Airtrafic Controllers:
March 15, 2023: Sri Lanka Air traffic controllers have decided to launch a work-to-rule campaign from noon today, Sri Lanka Air Traffic Controllers Association Secretary Rajitha Senviratne said. “We have decided to launch the work to rule campaign to support all trade unions who have launched a general strike today,” Senaviratne said.
Professional Trade Union:
The Professionals Trade Union Collective has decided to call off the 24-hour general strike at 8.00 am tomorrow. Accordingly, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and the Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union said today that their trade union action will be called off at 8 a.m. tomorrow, March 16, 2023.
