More than 40 trade unions are expected to stage a countrywide one-day strike today (01), which they have declared as a day of national protest against the government tax policy.
They are demanding the withdrawal of a six per cent to 36 pc PAYE tax imposed on the salaries of professionals who earn more than Rs. 100,000 a month.
Continuing agitations against the tax have failed to obtain a favourable response from the government, and a meeting with the president a few days ago ended inconclusively.
Government doctors are supporting the work stoppage, while ensuring no interruptions to emergency and essential services, said GMOA spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe.
University lecturers too, are staying away from their duties, according to head of their union Prof. Shayam Banneheka.
School principals and teachers will be wearing black arm bands when reporting for duty in a show of support for the strike action.
With bank employees expected to join in, banking activities will be disrupted, said their union leader Dhananjaya Siriwardena.
Petroleum, electricity, port, water supply and other TUs too, have decided to take part in the daylong work stoppage.
