Kataragama CTB bus strike continuing

Nelson Piyaratne - Kataragama Group

CTB employees at the strike at the Kataragama bus stand. Picture by M. Nelson Piyaratne Kataragama Group

Kataragama CTB bus strike continued on April 2 as well. About 400 employees of the Kataragama depot stopped work on April 1 demanding the payment of salaries in due time and reinstatement of six employees interdicted by the authorities.

Their salaries of November and December, 2012 were paid in the end of December. They said they were highly inconvenienced due to the delay of salaries. The authorities have interdicted the service of six employees as they participated in the strike that took place following these demands. The strike paralyzed the bus service canceling the journeys of 35 buses.

Residents especially pilgrims were highly inconvenienced as a result. A bus service was conducted by the Ambalantota bus depot. Private bus services were used as shuttle services. There were less pilgrims in Kataragama on these days as a result.

Ruhunu Zone Regional Operating Manager Ranjith Kannangara said every employee has a right to strike.