The ongoing strike by trade union affiliates of various professions against new taxes and repressive decisions by the government has affected several services, said their representatives.
TUs in the health, port, electricity, banking, water supply, postal, education, transport sectors are involved in the work stoppage.
GMOA spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said all government doctors are staying away from their duties since 8.00 am.
However, the Government Medical Officers Forum is not supporting the TU action, said its president Dr. Rukshan Bellana.
Port SLFP union leader Prasanna Kalutarage, Ceylon Teachers’ Union secretary Joseph Stalin and locomotive drivers association’s president K.U. Konthasinghe said they all are with the strikers.
However, stationmasters are not striking work, said head of their association Sumeda Somaratne.
By 8.00 am, 20 trains operated for the convenience of commuters, said the Department of Railways.
The association of CEB’s shroffs has informed the institution’s general manager that they support a strengthening of the economy.
Most state bank branches remain open
Meanwhile, the Presidential Secretariat quoted general manager of the Bank of Ceylon Russel Fonseka as having said that 265 BoC branches across the island remained open.
The People’s Bank had 272 out of 340 branches open for customers by 10.30 am with a 75 per cent staff attendance, said its acting CEO Clive Fonseka.
Fuel distribution is normal
The distribution of fuel continues as per normal, said CPC and CPSTL chairman M.U. Mohamed.
He has confirmed more than 300 bowsers with capacities of 6,600 litres each remain ready to distribute petrol and diesel.
The CPC’s SLPP union president Bandula Saman said they are not supporting the strike.
Meanwhile, there are mixed reactions over social media to the work stoppage.
