Trade Unions Announce Major Protest Against Proposed PSTA Bill on November 6

A coalition of trade unions has announced plans to stage a major protest in Colombo on November 6 against the proposed Public Security and Terrorism-related legislation (PSTA), warning that the proposed law could undermine democratic rights and restrict trade union activities.

Speaking at a joint trade union media briefing, trade union representative Saman Rathnapriya said trade unions across the country had come together to oppose the proposed legislation and would participate in the protest.

He strongly criticised the government for attempting to introduce the bill, arguing that it contained provisions that could grant authorities extensive powers over individuals and organisations.

Rathnapriya claimed that under the proposed legislation, individuals could be classified as terrorists based on suspicion and detained for up to two months. He also warned that the law could allow authorities to establish restricted zones, impose house arrest, prevent trade union activities and arrest trade union leaders.

He further alleged that the legislation could be used to restrict activities considered harmful to the economy, including public campaigns and demands made by citizens.

Questioning the government's performance, Rathnapriya said the public had been given numerous promises, including plans to establish 50 universities. However, he claimed that only 13 had been established so far.

He also raised questions about a government pledge to develop 450 tanks, making a critical remark about the amount of funding allocated for the project.

Commenting on recent appointments within the health sector, he questioned the government's role in appointing nursing personnel recruited during the previous administration.

Rathnapriya also criticised the government's conduct towards the media and warned that the country could not progress through intimidation and repression.

He stressed that the proposed legislation would be opposed and warned that trade unions would organise larger protests and public struggles if the government attempted to suppress opposition to the bill.

Several other trade union representatives also participated in the media briefing, including:

• Priyantha Pathberiya – Convener of the Samagi Education Federation.

• Sumedha Somarathna – Railway Trade Union Alliance.

• Bandula Samankumara – Secretary of the People's Progressive Employees' Union.

• Ananda Palitha – Convener of the Samagi Joint Trade Union Federation.

The trade union representatives reiterated their opposition to the proposed legislation and expressed their determination to continue collective action against its introduction.