In response to a 24-hour token strike organized by the All-Island Expressway Workers’ Union, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, announced the deployment of tri-forces and police personnel to oversee ticket counters and ensure security on the expressways.
General Silva noted that the union had given authorities only one day's notice before initiating the strike, providing a limited timeframe for preparation. Despite facing challenges such as the union's removal of ticket issuing machines and failure to surrender cards, operations are reportedly proceeding smoothly with the assistance of deployed tri-forces personnel.
To manage the situation, the army has been stationed on the Southern Expressway, Air Force personnel are overseeing the Katunayake Expressway, and Navy personnel are managing the Central Expressway in Kurunegala.
The All-Island Expressway Workers’ Union launched the strike today, citing various demands, including concerns related to the privatization of the highway network.
