Trade unions collective calls off strike

The collective of trade unions has called off the strike planned to commence today following discussions with the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday.

The co-convener of a collective of Government, semi-Government and private sector trade unions, Saman Ratnapriya said they are in favor of several changes made to the budget proposals as noted in the Prime Minister’ statement and decided not to participate in the strike opposing the 2016 Budget proposals.

The trade union collective was to launch the strike on 15 December at 7a.m.

The Lanka Private Bus Owners Association also said in a statement that they have also decided not to participate in the strike as the Premier has suggested lowering the vehicle emission test fees, one of their major concerns, to Rs. 1,500 from the earlier proposed fee of Rs. 3,500.