Strike action of the Petroleum trade unions begins

Strike action of the Petroleum trade unions has begun since early hours of this morning. Long lines of vehicles also formed since last night at fuel stations across the country after trade unions announced the strike.

However, the Petroleum Minister said he will meet unions for a discussion this morning.

Seven trade unions attached to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) have launched the strike over three issues including the move to sign a pact with India regarding the oil tanks in the Eastern port city of Trincomalee.

The strike was commenced from midnight today (24). Sri Lanka and India are expected to sign an agreement to jointly invest and develop the Trincomalee Port and establish a petroleum refinery and other industries there.