As the island nation waits for approval of an International Monetary Fund package to aid its failing economy, Sri Lankan health, railway, port, and other state employees went on a day-long strike on Wednesday. They were protesting against sharp increases in income taxes and electricity charges.
Due to the walkout by healthcare professionals, nurses, and pharmacists, the majority of government hospitals across the nation ceased their outpatient clinics. The railroads ran fewer trains, and armed soldiers protected the carriages and train stations out of concern for sabotage.
According to trade unions, the country's worst economic crisis has made things difficult for them, and tax and power increases are to blame. They've threatened to keep the walkout going forever if the government doesn't agree to their demands.
The government says it was compelled to raise taxes to strengthen state revenue and electricity charges to cover production costs, key prerequisites to unlocking the proposed $2.9 billion IMF package. Authorities say they managed to operate some trains and most state banks despite the strike.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament last week that difficult reforms are needed to remain on course with the IMF program. Sidestepping them, as the country has done on 16 previous occasions, could spell danger, he added, noting that any breakdown would compel Sri Lanka to repay $6 billion-$7 billion of foreign debt every year until 2029.
Due to the walkout by healthcare professionals, nurses, and pharmacists, the majority of government hospitals across the nation ceased their outpatient clinics. The railroads ran fewer trains, and armed soldiers protected the carriages and train stations out of concern for sabotage.
According to trade unions, the country's worst economic crisis has made things difficult for them, and tax and power increases are to blame. They've threatened to keep the walkout going forever if the government doesn't agree to their demands.
The government says it was compelled to raise taxes to strengthen state revenue and electricity charges to cover production costs, key prerequisites to unlocking the proposed $2.9 billion IMF package. Authorities say they managed to operate some trains and most state banks despite the strike.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament last week that difficult reforms are needed to remain on course with the IMF program. Sidestepping them, as the country has done on 16 previous occasions, could spell danger, he added, noting that any breakdown would compel Sri Lanka to repay $6 billion-$7 billion of foreign debt every year until 2029.
