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FR case in respect of incidents on May 9 : 

Govt. Printer took measures to ensure safety of employees

by Wasantha Ramanayake

The Government Printer in his objections in a Fundamental Rights application stated that he had taken precautions to ensure the safety of the employees of the Government Press (GP) in respect of the incident that took place in the press premises on May 9.

Government Printer Neville Nanayakkara further stated that he had not at any stage directed to clear the employees from the Government Press or took action to close and seal it off and what he had done was to assist the police to conduct their investigations.

Petitioners Rajaye Mudranalaya Surekeeme Sangamaya (RMSS), Government Workers Trade Union, Government Clerical Service Union and D.N. Pathirage of Pannipitiya filed the application seeking a suitable order preventing the possibility of the infringement of the right of the government sector employees by public authorities. They alleged that the rights of the employees of the GP were violated by the authorities in the said incident.

Government Printer Neville Nanayakara stated in his objections that the first petitioner RMSS had not proved that it has any membership in the GP.

According to the objections, he claimed that the GP had not recognized the first petitioner RMSS as an active trade union. The Government Press had requested the names of the members of RMSS, who were its employees, to recognize the first petitioner union as an active member in the GP. But, up to date the first petitioner had avoided to furnish the information.

Government Printer Nanayakkara further contended that the Joint Federation of the Trade Unions of the GP did not recognize RMSS as a trade union. The second petitioner Government Clerical Service Union had no direct contact with the GP. The fourth petitioner was a shift worker who attended to the day duty and he had no knowledge of the said incident.

The petitioners cited Government Printer Neville Nanayakkara, OIC Borella Police, and the Attorney General as respondents.

The first petitioner claimed to be a trade union of employees of the Government Press and affiliated to the second petitioner that was a federation of trade unions of the government sector. Forth petitioner claimed to have been the Acting Secretary of the first petitioner trade union.

The petitioners stated that on May 9 at 8.30 pm an unruly mob numbering 200 entered and ravaged the Government Press. The incident was reported to the Borella police. They alleged that the Borella police had not taken any action. The incident was brought to the notice of the first respondent who was out of the Press at that moment, but did not return or took any action to control the mob. Later, the first respondent closed and sealed the press for a collateral purpose.

The hearing was fixed for September 9.

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