Siyambalapitiya claims Rs. 46 b economic loss by one strike day

State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday claimed that a day of trade union actions would have a toll on the gross domestic product (GDP) revenue of Rs. 46 billion. 

“The annual earnings are Rs. 16,809 billion, and if there are token strikes the economic cost to the GDP’s daily income is about Rs. 46 billion,” he told journalists yesterday in response to the token strike staged by over 40 Govt. and semi-Govt trade unions demanding reversal of new tax regime.

He also said that the adverse impact of such trade union actions on the education sector is immeasurable and it is very unfair to children.

“Given the dire economic straits of our country, we must all think if it was reasonable to go on strike with a motive to further cripple the economy and livelihood for millions,” Siyambalapitiya argued.