Sri Lanka –  Sri Lankans voice against the Government’s attempts to ‘rob EPF and ETF’

In recent days, around the country, Sri Lankans staged several protests against the Government’s alleged attempts to ‘rob EPF and ETF’, based on the domestic debt restructuring, suggested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Yesterday, Colombo Fort staged the mega protest. And a trade Union leader petitions SC against 30% tax on the income of EPF/ETF funds. It is the only wealth of laborers.

Rights activists, Civil and multi-people organizations, as well as public and private sector employees, political movements, and other concerned individuals yesterday noon, 28th of August organized a protest in Colombo Fort demanding immediate action against the government’s move of robbing people in the guise of debt restructuring through the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF).

Under the banner “Stop EPF/ETF Robbery! Do not kill people to pay the debt!” the protesters held a demonstration near the Colombo Fort Railway Station amidst the severe disruption from the Police. A huge number of Police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel were deployed to control the protest.

“Ranil Wickramasinghe, who instigated us to take the people to the streets when they were trying to loot the EPF in 2014 during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s time, is now trying to loot the EPF, However, we urge the government to stop this illegal act immediately.” said Ananda Palitha, the media spokesperson of the United Trade Union Force while attending the protest near at Fort station.

“We ask this failed government of Ranil Rajapaksa to withdraw this proposal immediately. Don’t be ready to play with the workers. The workers are not ready to sacrifice the money that the poor workers have saved by working hard for this government’s dirty desires. This is the only fund for the future of the workers’ lives.” Ashila Dandeniya, Directress of the ‘Stand Up Movement’ told the media.

Also, Dr. Charudatta Ilangasinghe of the Federation of University Societies also spoke to the media and said that we are telling this government to withdraw from the legislation to rob the people of this country’s money. That the laws made in this way should be withdrawn.” he said.

END.