CEB, CPC, SLPA unions to hold protests
- Three separate protests over three issues
By Dinitha Rathnayake
Trade unions representing the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) are set to carry out a protest from 12 p.m. on Wednesday (3) at their respective offices.
Speaking to The Morning yesterday (31 October) Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal said the protests would take place at the three headquarters of the three state-owned enterprises.
The United Trade Union alliance would protest against several issues related to the Government.
The CEB trade union action is being staged to urge the Government to immediately suspend the agreement with US-based energy company New Fortress Energy Inc over the Yugadanavi liquefied natural gas (LNG) Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya.
“We have suspicions that the current Government sold CEB to the US, as the Finance Minister failed to answer our questions and even said he isn’t aware about this agreement.”
CEB United Trade Union (TU) Alliance engaged in an islandwide protest from 12 p.m. last Friday (29 October) as well.
The Government has signed an agreement on the sale of 40% of the shares held by Sri Lanka in the Yugadanavi liquefied natural gas (LNG) Power Plant to New Fortress Energy Inc.
Jayalal said if the agreement is not suspended before 3 November, then they will engage in trade union action.
“The Government had declared fuel and port services as essential services, without mentioning the Ceylon Electricity Board .This means that the Government has removed the CEB from its control,” he said.
He also said there is serious concern with regard to who empowered the US to intervene in Sri Lanka’s energy sector, citing a discussion the US Ambassador had with a local journalist last Friday.
Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Ports General Employees Union has sent a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requesting that the decision to transfer 13 acres of port land to a Chinese company be rescinded immediately .
Jayalal said the Ports Trade Union has requested the President to immediately rescind the decision taken to sell or lease the remaining resources and will stage the protest on this demand.
CPC unions would stage their protest demanding the protection of oil tanks.
