President revokes regulations invoked under Clause 5 of the Public Security Act [Tuesday, September 26, 2006 -10.15 GMT]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday revoked regulations invoked under Clause 5 of the Public Security Act. The regulations pertained to the declaration of several public services as essential services.

Considering the demands of the working class, the President took the decision to cancel the regulations hoping that the workers will act with responsibility to protect the government and its services. This follows a meeting with Trade Union leaders last evening.

The Government recently declared several services deemed vital for ensuring public security and public order as essential services. Among the services declared essential through an extraordinary gazette notification dated August 3, were services required in connection with healthcare, public transport, fuel supply and distribution, electricity supply and post and telecommunications.

The restoring of electricity supply in Kantale Muttur area within nine days by the Ceylon Electricity Board workers is a clear indication of commitment of the workers’ to the development of the country. The government also hailed trade unions of the health sector and other state institutions that full filled their responsibility for the nation when the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and the Police have committed themselves to secure the country. Therefore the government stressed there was no need to suppress workers using emergency regulations.  

The government will take measures to stop the privatization of public institutions, increase salaries of employees, granting the pension payment abolished in 2003 and granting cost of living allowance in accordance with the Mahinda Chinthana. It will initiate every necessary action to protect all rights of the employees in the future.

Reports indicate the year 2006 has had the minimum number of strikes and labour protest demonstrations, due to the trust kept by the working class in the government.

During the discussions yesterday, President Rajapaksa assured trade unions that he would never take any step to stifle trade union actions. President pointed out to the trade union representatives that he always stood against the suppression of trade unions and never taken steps to curb their action.

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Last Updated Date: September 26, 2006 - 10.15 GMT