Trade Union Leaders Accuse Government of Suppressing Workers Through Proposed Security Laws

Leaders of the Independent Trade Union Centre have accused the Government of betraying the working-class movement and attempting to suppress workers, warning that proposed security legislation could be used to restrict trade union activities and public protests.

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Joint Independent Trade Union Centre, its Chairman, Asanka Srinath, expressed disappointment over the actions of the Government, which he said had come to power with the support of workers and people who had opposed capitalist interests.

He said the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which had previously mobilised workers against the capitalist class under the banner of socialism, was now using ministerial power to suppress the very workers who had supported its political movement.

Srinath accused the Government of following a path similar to that of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe's administration, arguing that political leaders who once championed socialism had now become aligned with capitalist interests.

He warned that no government could remain in power for long without listening to workers' demands and said former trade union leaders who had once fought for workers had now changed their positions.

According to Srinath, workers were increasingly being pushed into a difficult position under the current system of governance.

He also claimed that the President was aware that workers could lead a major public uprising in response to the proposed legislation. He alleged that the Government had attempted to appease workers through a gathering and statements intended to ease their concerns.

Srinath further criticised what he described as the creation of different public personalities and narratives to defend the Government. He also questioned the use of the term "independent" to describe certain individuals and accused some of them of acting as Government supporters.

Calling on workers not to remain silent any longer, he also criticised media organisations for what he described as their excessive support for the Government.

Trade Union Activities Could Be Interpreted as Terrorism, Union Secretary Warns

Independent Trade Union Centre Secretary Hemantha Nagodawithana criticised the Government for what he described as its disregard for trade unions.

He said an administration that frequently referred to the country's "76-year curse" had now reached a position where it no longer took trade unions seriously.

He added that even some ministers had made statements suggesting that trade unions were no longer relevant, despite having previously participated in struggles alongside workers.

Nagodawithana also raised concerns over the proposed legislation intended to address terrorism, arguing that the draft did not clearly define what constituted a terrorist act.

He questioned how individuals and organisations could be punished under a law when the offences themselves were not clearly explained.

He warned that, based on the provisions as presented, certain trade union activities could potentially be interpreted as terrorist acts.

He called on the Government to clarify the provisions and ensure that any proposed law clearly defines the offences and the circumstances under which penalties could be imposed.

Opposition Councillor Questions Colombo Municipal Council's Flood Management

Meanwhile, at a media briefing organised by Sarvajana Balaya, Colombo Municipal Council member Kanakarajan Pranavan criticised the council's handling of the city's flooding problems and questioned the effectiveness of its administration.

He said individuals who were not adequately performing their responsibilities had been appointed to positions within the Colombo Municipal Council.

Pranavan also challenged claims regarding the city's capacity to drain water, referring to the existence of several projects intended to control flooding in Colombo.

He specifically mentioned a project known as "Metro", claiming that work on the initiative had stopped after the current Government came to power.

He argued that the lack of progress on such projects and what he described as the administration's failure to fulfil its responsibilities had contributed to the current difficulties.

Turning to the council's finances, Pranavan said more than Rs.16 billion had been received by the council by the previous week.

He alleged that the previous Budget had presented inflated financial figures and questioned what meaningful services had been delivered to Colombo residents despite the funds available.

He maintained that the city had not received an adequate level of service in return for the money allocated and received by the council.