The Sri Lanka Customs Officers’ Union has ended its two-day “sick leave” campaign initiated in protest against the authorities’ failure to address their various demands.
The campaign was called off after fruitful discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.
The President has approved the following measures in response to the Customs Officers’ Union alliance’s proposals to halt the ongoing strike by the Customs Department.
Regarding the proposed Revenue Authority Act, prior to drafting legal texts, a team comprising officials and trade union representatives should be appointed with Cabinet approval and the amendments currently drafted in relation to the Customs Ordinance Act should be removed.
In terms of the Customs Ordinance Act, already proposed amendments should be withdrawn and necessary changes should be made through formal discussions with customs trade union representatives.
The decision to call off the strike comes as a relief to many businesses struggling with the delays and disruptions caused by the trade union actions.
In a statement, Customs Media Spokesman and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda announced the ending of the trade union action.
The Union had launched the campaign to oppose the Government’s decision to introduce the Sri Lanka Revenue Authority (SLRA) Bill and amend several sections of the Customs Ordinance.
On Wednesday, the Joint Chambers of Commerce also urged the Customs Officers to call off their ongoing work-to-rule action and the planned strike for 4 and 5 July.
In a joint statement, nine leading chambers of commerce and industry highlighted the severe impact of the work-to-rule action on the country’s supply chain.
“The current work-to-rule action has caused significant delays in clearing import cargo, resulting in supply chain disruption, and delays in production and delivery,” the statement read.
It further warned that the planned strike would exacerbate these issues, causing additional hardship for businesses and the broader economy.
The joint statement was issued by prominent organisations, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Joint Apparel Association Forum, National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, National Chamber of Exporters, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, and the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
(ft.lk)
