Several Trade Unions and civil organizations have planned to launch a 24-hour islandwide hartal in Sri Lanka tomorrow (06) against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the government.
The Hartal Committee Trade Union Coordinating Centre (TUCC) has warned that the hartal will change into a continuous hartal from the 11th of May if the government and President fail to take steps by tomorrow to respect the public’s opinion.
Civil Organizations and Trade Unions ranging over 2000 groups, including the health, transportation, train, power, and education sectors are set to participate in the hartal.
Earlier today, the United National Self-Employed Trade Association said lottery dealers have decided to refrain from their duties tomorrow in support of the planned islandwide hartal.
Addressing the media, President of the Association Krishan Marambage said lottery dealers/ agents will not engage in the sale of lotteries in the country.
The Railway Trade Union has voiced its support for the hartal and will launch a trade union action from midnight today (05).
The Union said nearly 40 trade unions attached to the Railway Trade Union will participate in the strike action.
The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has also decided to step away from operating buses with effect from midnight today (5) in support of the islandwide Harthal that has been organized by several Trade Unions tomorrow.
The Chairman of the LPBOA said that there is a severe shortage of diesel in Sri Lanka at the moment, which is affecting the operations of public transportation.
Trade Unions linked to the banking sector, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), as well as teachers and principals, are also set to participate in the hartal.
Health workers are also to engage in the strike, while doctors from the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) will work but will support the strike by wearing black armbands.
The TUCC has urged the public to hoist black flags at their residences, while shops and stores have been urged to close down in support of the islandwide hartal to be staged tomorrow.
All religious worship places have been requested to conduct their prayers via loudspeakers from 08.30 am to 09.00 am.
The Trade Unions have requested those engaging in the hartal and other public protests to refrain from acting in a violent manner or damaging any public property, and have been urged to continue in a peaceful manner.