Trade Unions rally in Colombo to launch second stage of ‘Aragalaya’

Trade unions today rallied in  Colombo to launch what they called the second stage of the ‘Aragalaya’ protest campaign against the government on a series of outstanding issues.

More than 50 trade unions and affiliated organisations held their first joint rally at the Hyde Park corner in Colombo vowing to continue their campaign increased taxes, oppressing opposition members, demanding the abolition of the Prevention of Terrorism among other issues.

The protesters marched from Town Hall to the venue at Hyde Park earlier before launching the meeting attended by a gathering of more than 4,000 people.

Trade union leaders representing several sectors including power, water, petroluem, port, fisheries, farming, plantation  called on the government to provide relief to the public who have been affected by increased food prices and taxes.

“This is a sign that all progressive forces have come together to show their strength against the government”,  K.D. Lal Kantha Trade Union Leader said.

He said that people were now rallying together similar to the ‘Aragalaya’ campaign to show their protest against the government and this would be a stronger campaign against the government.

Priyattha Prabath, representing the Joint Front of the Ceylon Electricity Board unions said that the electricity consumers were in for an another tax when the Security Tax of 2.5 per cent is imposed on them.  “When the IMF conditions are imposed your bill will go up 100 per cent in the future”, he added.

Ishan Kavinda representing the Moratuwa University Student Union said that the University was not in a position now to purchase software required for study work.

The Unions have vowed to carryout similar campaigns across the country.

Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara