President seeks trade unions to cast aside old attitudes

Asks TUs to stop agitating over petty demands

• Emphasises the NPP’s commitment to giving up perks and privileges

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged trade unions not to struggle for petty demands, while calling on them to shed their old attitudes.

The President in his May Day speech, said that the NPP as a political force, has given up perks and privileges entitled to them through the constitution, gazettes and circulars.

“We urge trade unions to shed their old attitudes. Do not fight even for petty things. We, as a political force, have given up perks and privileges entitled to us through the constitution, gazettes and circulars. Let us have some time. You don’t have to take to the streets and force us. We are a political force that feels your heartbeat and aspirations,” he said.

The President said the government increased basic salaries, overtime payments, annual increments, and additional payments to public sector employees even without any demands.

“We urge trade unions to strip your old clothes and dress up in new ones,’ he said.