6.3.2008
Sri
Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) staff launched a two-hour
token strike today (06) from 12.30 to 2.30 PM urging the
government to mediate immediately to halt the continuous
intimidation of SLRC workers by unidentified persons.
All
the staff members sans the essential services staff took
part in the walk out.
SLRC
Chairman's sneaking off from his office and the absence
of entire management in the SLRC premises was a notable
incident.
A
trade union leader of the SLRC said to 'Lanka-e-News'
that the trade unions would send a letter to the President
and the cabinet of Ministers today (06) requesting to
take steps to halt the intimidation of the SLRC staff
and warning that they would commence a continuous strike
if such intimidation took place again.
The
Minister of Labor Mervin Silva had to be hospitalized
due to counter attacks of the SLRC staff following his
violent behavior in the SLRC premises. Four SLRC workers
were intimidated so far after that incident. SLRC producer
Lal Hemantha Mawalage was stabbed on January 25 following
an unknown caller threatening him over the phone to prepare
a coffin for himself. SLRC staffer Dulip Dushantha?s house
was invaded by two persons armed with revolvers on January
29. Thugs attempted to stab SLRC Camera Section Deputy
Director Piyal Ranjith at his residence on February 27.
SLRC librarian Ranjanee Aluthge was cut with a razor as
she was returning home from work yesterday (05) evening.
Courtesy - LeN