CPC strike continues for second day

The trade union action launched by employees of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will continue for a second day as discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena failed to take place.

“We were asked to end the strike and come for discussions. Why will we do that when we have requested to meet him in writing, he did not pay heed. How can we be sure he will meet us once we have called off the strike? We did not put the public through such difficulties for that, so we will continue with the trade union action,” the Convener of the CPC trade union collective D.J. Rajakaruna told Daily FT.

The trade unions are opposed to the Government’s decision to finalise the Hambantota Port agreement, disregarding their demand to have the oil bunkering facility and tank farm under the Petroleum Resources Ministry. The trade unions have been demanding to retain control of the facility with the CPC.

Stressing that the Government has made plans to sign the agreement with the Chinese company to lease out Hambantota habour on Saturday, he said that the trade union action needed to be firm to ensure that the deal does not go through.

The union collective expects a number of other trade unions, including the unions of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Ceylon Transport Board, Ceylon Electricity Board, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka Railway Department and the Government Medical Officers’ Union to support the action from tomorrow onwards, Rajakaruna said.

However, Ports Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe claimed that the unions of the Ports Authority were supportive of the Hambantota agreement.