Several trade unions have decided to launch trade union action in protest against the 2027 Budget proposals presented by the government.

The Association of Public Service Engineers (APSE) staged a token strike on November 13 and has also decided to launch an island wide strike from tomorrow (16).   

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Technical Assistants’ Association has decided to withdraw from duties and report sick leave from today (15) until November 17.

The trade union action has been launched in protest against the failure to provide any relief for Irrigation Technical Assistant Officers in the 2027 Budget proposals.

Meanwhile, the All Island Disaster Relief Services Officials' Union has announced that it will launch an island wide strike from tomorrow (16).

Its Chairman, Upul Kumara said the strike would continue until solutions are provided to their demands.

In addition, the State Veterinary Surgeons' Association (SVSA) has decided to report sick leave on November 17 in protest against the Budget proposals.   

The President of the Association, Dr. Upul Ranjith Kumara, announced this at a media briefing held in Colombo today (15).

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Public Officers’ Trade Union Federation has called for the allowances granted to executive officers under the Budget to also be extended to other public officers.

Its Chairman, Sumith Kodikara said the federation would resort to more stringent trade union action if no response was received to its demands.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA), Gemunu Wijeratne said that no relief had been granted to the private bus industry through this year’s Budget.