The All Ceylon Ports General Employees Union (ACPPEU) launched its first trade union action today (29) at 12 noon.
The strike was announced following a protest near the Wimaladharma Clock Tower in front of the port.
Protesters chanted slogans against and booed Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Minister of State for Urban Development, Coastal Conservation, Waste Disposal and Public Sanitation and Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing who arrived at the protest site as representatives of the President. They had to turn back faced with a barrage of heckling and jeering by the crowd.
Employees of the Galle Port also staged a protest in support by blocking the entrance to the port on the Galle – Colombo Road.
Trade union activists said they would continue their strike until the government rejects the treasonous agreement.