By Chaturanga Samarawickrama   

The United Trade Unions and Mass Organisations (UTUMO) yesterday said government, semi-government, and private sector workers will stage a token strike today (28) in protest against the government.  

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to join the other trade union actions scheduled to be conducted today.   

More than a thousand trade unions have joined in demanding the President and the government to go home.  A massive protest and rally organised by the striking unions is scheduled to take place tomorrow at 12 noon in front of the Fort Railway Station.  

The striking unions are planning to march from several locations, including the Lipton Roundabout in Colombo, to the Galle Face People’s Struggle Grounds. Meanwhile, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) and the Inter Provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association (IPPBOA) said they have not reached a decision about engaging in the strikes today.   The public service trade unions have decided to withdraw from all services in support of today’s strike, All Ceylon Transport Workers’ Union (ACTWU) General Secretary Sepala Liyanage said.   
Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Deputy General Manager (Running) A. H. Panduka said three out of the seven SLTB trade unions support the strike.