‘Continuous strike will be launched if power supply is declared an essential service’

General Secretary of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Joint Trade Unions Alliance, Ranjan Jayalal stated that a continuous strike would be launched if attempts were made to quell the ongoing strike.

He explained that yesterday’s (14) talks with the minister in light of the island-wide strike launched by the CEB workers last Wednesday (13) had failed, and accordingly said that the ongoing strike would continue until acceptable solutions were provided.

Ranjan Jayalal made these statements upon attending a special media briefing of the CEB Joint Trade Unions Alliance today (15).

The trade union action in question was taken with regard to a fraudulent fiscal activity worth Rs. 1.5 billion that had taken place during the election on November 27, 2014 which caused a shift in power.

Jayalal then questioned: Even though a circular was issued to instill fear in the workers following the failed talks, did the workers report to duty?

He confirmed that workers had not reported to duty, and added that even if the electricity service was declared an essential service in an attempt to force the workers to report to work, it would not work.