Port workers protest against unjust tax; threaten to walk out if tax is not withdrawn

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Sri Lanka's Port Workers have warned of a continued struggle if the government does not withdraw if unjust tax regime.

Hundreds of port workers protested on Monday (27) in Colombo during the lunch break.

The Sri Lankan government has imposed an income tax regime from 6% to 36% on all monthly earnings of over Rs. 100,000/- including the salary, allowances, and non-cash benefits.

Port workers who protested during the lunch break on Monday (27) inside the Colombo Harbour pointed out that the imposition of an unjust tax regime has led to a plethora of other serious issues.

Executive Officers of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Samagi Employees Union Federation, Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya, Independent Port Workers Union, Port Engineers Union, Independent Dock Workers Union of the Colombo Dockyard, as well as the All Ceylon Ports General Employees supported the protest.

A heavy police force was deployed for the security at the Harbour Gate, and addressing the crowd Trade Union leaders warned that port workers will stage a walk out crippling the operations of the Colombo Harbour and related institutions until the tax regime is withdrawn.