Over 100 trade unions representing petroleum, ports, electricity, health, railways, banking and education sectors would join in nationwide strikes and protests scheduled against the ‘unfair’ tax policy today (01).

Accordingly, the petroleum, electricity and water supply workers would engage in a work-to-rule action, while the health workers will refrain from duties in a way that does not make a major impact on patient care.

Ravi Kumudesh, President of the Federation of Health Professionals, said that some health workers may completely refrain from duties during the strike but the workers in emergency patient care would continue to provide their services.

The trade union action is to be taken during the lunch break by wearing black bands and by raising black flags.

Dr. Haritha Aluthge, Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association, said that their members will also take part in the series of protests that will be held across the country today while maintaining emergency treatment services in the hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Railways Trade Union Alliance said that there will be no strike today but a massive protest would be held against the unfair actions of the government.

The union said that the trains will be operated with black flags hoisted, and the railway employees would report to duty by wearing black bands.

Meanwhile, the bus associations said they would continue their operations as usual.

Teachers would also report to work wearing black bands and hold protests outside the schools raising black flags.

General Secretary of the Lanka Banku Sevaka Sangamaya Ranjan Senanayake said that they will also join in the trade union actions today.

Accordingly, the employees of 18 public, private and foreign banks would engage in strike today.

Meanwhile, President’s Secretary E. M. S. B. Ekanayake issued a Gazette notification on February 27 declaring several services as essential.

Accordingly, the gazette notification declares public transports services for passengers or goods, discharge, carriage, landing, storage, delivery & removal of articles of food or drink, or coal, oil, fuel from vessels within any port as defined for the purposes of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services by road, rail or air, including roads, bridges, culverts, airports, ports & railway lines, as essential services with immediate effect.

It was reported that the reason for issuing this gazette is to prevent the strike that is being held today by a number of trade unions.

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