Union leaders enjoying privileges while inconveniencing public- Ratwatte

Plantation Industries Minister Lohan Ratwatte yesterday said certain persons who call themselves trade union leaders are trying to win over their rights inconveniencing the people use government vehicles and also obtain limitless fuel from the government.

He said further that as of now, state employees use 75,000 government vehicles a day and obtain all privileges including fuel but that some of them engage in strikes and attempt to inconvenience the government.

Minister Ratwatte made these comments during a media briefing held in Kandy on March 29. Certain trade union leaders who put up a display in front of the media saying they are engaging in a fast, in order to win over their rights are enjoying all privileges provided by the government and live a double life, Ratwatte said.

He emphasized the fact that the hidden objective of many strikes and protests that are launched with the purpose of inconveniencing the government are to bring the political group they favour or to obtain personal advantages.

Ratwatte said the objective of the government is to provide relief to the people at every possible moment and that the price of fuel has been brought down by 20%. while also mentioning that sending persons on compulsory leave is a very good precedent.

If employees of institutions such as the port, fuel water, electricity, health and education engage in strikes while inconveniencing the people, it cannot be allowed, Minister Lohan Ratwatte said.

He said further that if trade union leaders make people suffer continuously, prior to the government, the people will take the forefront.