No countrywide blackout from CEB strike

The countrywide strike launched by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) United Trade Union Alliance on Monday (9) night will continue until tomorrow evening, Trade Union Alliance Convener, Ranjan Jayalal said.

He told the Daily Mirror that they are going to have a discussion on this and later tomorrow the decision will be announced to the media.

He also stated that consumers will not be put into pressure due to their trade union action.

The union had decided to suspend office work, construction work, and bill issuing and receiving bill payments.

"Major breakdowns and repairs will be undertaken, and we have taken the decision to provide continuous electricity except for the scheduled power interruptions for people to use their mobile phones to access social media to know the present situation of the country," Jayalal said. 

The strike was to condemn the attack on Gota Go Gama protesters by government supporters on Monday (May 9).

 Furthermore, they have stated that uninterrupted electricity supply will be provided for hospitals and to other essential services. 

Jayalal also claimed that a false audio clip was heard circulating on social media stating that there would be a countrywide blackout from tonight. He claimed that there is no truth behind the fake audio clip.

Power interruption is a total disaster for the ongoing struggle, and we will not let that to happen. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)