The government says it has made preparations to face an island-wide strike action by trade unions today (15).
Health, petroleum, port, electricity, management services and other TUs in the state sector are taking part in the work stoppage to press for six key demands.
Main among them are a Rs. 20,000 special allowance, reduction in bank interest rates and electricity tariffs, amending the PAYE tax and against state repression.
Meanwhile, the commissioner general of labour has ordered all engineering offices to grant no-pay leave for all striking workers.
All development officers attached to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment should report to their respective offices.
Also, staff of the Department of Manpower and Employment should report for work today.
In the meantime, railways has been declared an essential service and leave of all workers cancelled for the day.
In a notice, the IGP has issued instructions to police stations to provide adequate security to all railway stations to prevent any act of sabotage.
