Workers did not want to stop the strike. If the leadership did not betray us we would still be involved in the struggle. The Labour Minister recently said that these laws would not be used against workers. Other workers had asked Siriwardana how a factory producing clay vessels could come under the Essential Services orders. The factory is an essential service because it earns foreign exchange.
Workers come to Colombo from rural areas, hoping to send money back to their families.
But they are unable to cope with their own expenses and during the lengthy strike had no means of paying for accommodation. The WSWS invites your comments. Please send e-mail .