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National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is planning to contest the presidential elections admitted that his party is behind a string of strikes, acceding to an interview given by him to our sister paper ‘The Sunday Times.’ As reported by ‘The Sunday Times’, the JVP, the key ally of the NPP, has initiated a fresh round of trade union action due to the ongoing economic hardships by employees in various professions.
For several years, workers have been struggling with inadequate salaries that do not keep pace with the rising cost of living, making it difficult for them to manage their household expenses, The Sunday Times reports quoting Mr. Dissanayake.
Asked why the JVP/NPP cannot assure those on strike that their issues would be won after elections, he replied, “Yes, the JVP/NPP understands the critical issues faced by teachers and university non-academic staff and we recognise the urgency of addressing these concerns. We have already begun to release a detailed sector-based long-term economic plan aimed at developing the country sustainably. This plan not only addresses salary issues but also encompasses broader concerns such as healthcare, access to nutritious food, and the education of children. These policies have been unveiled to the public, demonstrating our commitment and strategic approach to solving these problems holistically.”