(VIDEO) Military and Police Units in Colombo as TUs protest

COLOMBO (News 1st); Military and Police Units equipped in riot gear were seen stationed at multiple locations in Fort, Colombo as Trade Unions launched protests against the governments' unjust tax regime.

Trade Unions in Sri Lanka have declared Wednesday the 8th of February as a day for protests.

Trade Unions are protesting against the government's failure to address the medicine shortage, and the unjust tax regime imposed by the government.

The Government Medical Officers Association, a party to the Professionals' Trade Union Collective launched a 24-hour token strike across all Private and State hospitals.

The Federation of University Teachers' Association also decided to engage in a one-day token strike.

Trade Unions from the electricity, water supply, petroleum and port sectors organized joint protests in Fort, Colombo on Wednesday (8) afternoon.

Port sector trade unions announced a work-to-rule action in the morning, and joined the protest in the afternoon.

The water supply, petroleum and power supply sector trade unions announced that they will take sick leave on Wednesday (8) and join the protest without reporting to work.

Activities across hospitals, universities, divisional secretaries, and other sectors affected by the trade union action launched by the Professionals' Trade Union Collective

However, the Ceylon Electricity Board Technological Engineers and Superintendent Union stated that although they support the protest against the unjust tax regime, they will be taking necessary measures to supply electricity without disruption. 

A.G.U. Nishantha, the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board Technological Engineers and Superintendent Union noted that they would support the protests from Thursday (9).

The Fort Magistrate's Court rejected a request by the police to issue an order preventing protests against the unjust tax regime, from proceeding to several roads in Fort, Colombo.

Sri Lanka Police had requested an order preventing the protests in Colombo from entering the Fort Police Jurisdiction, and this request was turned down by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Wednesday (8).

While rejecting the request, the Fort Magistrate noted that those engaged in the protests have the right to engage in peaceful protests and marches, as per the provisions of the constitution.

The Magistrate however ordered for Sri Lanka Police to act as per the powers vested in them if any party is found to be behaving in an unruly manner.

At the same time, the court also rejected a request made by the Cinnamon Gardens Police to issue an order preventing protestors from entering into several roads in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Police requested the Colombo Chief Magistrate to issue an order preventing protestors from entering Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Hector Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Mahagamasekera Mawatha, Thurstan Road, and Ernest De Silva Mawatha.

While rejecting the request, the Colombo Chief Magistrate ordered for Sri Lanka Police to act as per the powers vested in them if any party is found to be behaving in an unruly manner.