Trade Unions Stage Protest in Colombo
07-Nov-2026.
Trade unions staged a protest at the Colombo Fort Railway Station premises against the proposed legislation aimed at protecting the State from terrorism.
The demonstration was jointly organised by trade unions representing several sectors, including health, electricity, railways and postal services.
Protesters raised slogans such as "Do not resort to repression to cover up incompetence", "Resolve the fuel and gas queues", "Do not intimidate people through the police", "Reduce taxes and provide relief to the public" and "Do not brand ordinary citizens as terrorists".
Among those who participated were Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam and former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, representing the United National Party.
The remaining participants were representatives of trade unions operating in various public services, including health, electricity, railways and postal services.
Speaking to the media, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said that neither the public nor his party would be intimidated by the government's repressive measures. He noted that trade unions from all sectors had participated in the protest without any political differences and said that they would continue to express their strong opposition in the coming days.
Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that the government, which had come to power claiming to represent the people's rule, was now introducing serious and oppressive legislation, describing the development as shameful.
He said that he did not believe anyone who had voted for the National People's Power would approve such legislation. He further pointed out that those who had opposed the Prevention of Terrorism Act from its inception were now introducing laws that were even more oppressive.
He alleged that the government was introducing such legislation in advance to prevent people from rising against the country's worsening economic crisis. He stressed that they would not allow this to happen and that the protest would not end with the day's demonstration, adding that similar protests would continue in the coming weeks.
However, only a relatively small number of people participated in the demonstration. Although the Opposition had indicated that it would mobilise a large number of trade union representatives, the turnout was not substantial.
