Bankrupt Sri Lanka’s hospitals were crippled and transport disrupted on today as trade unions protested against the doubling of taxes to qualify for a crucial IMF bailout.
Schools cancelled term tests and outpatient departments at hospitals closed due to the work stoppage that involved more than 40 trade unions.
The action came despite a ban on strikes imposed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe last month, and warnings that violators could lose their jobs.
Trade union spokesman Haritha Aluthge said talks with the authorities overnight ended inconclusively forcing them to go ahead with Wednesday’s work stoppage.
Professionals have also joined the trade unions against the sharp increase in income taxes since January.
“Anyone who violates the essential services order will face the full force of the law,” cabinet spokesman Bandula Gunawardana had warned ahead of the nationwide action that also hit ports, posts and utilities.
