1.
SV Deserted Colombo harbour. (4 shots)
0.22

2.
SV Main street
0.26

3.
SV Empty railway station. (3 shots)
0.34

4.
SV Deserted railway lines and policeman on platform. (3 shots)
0.42

5.
SV People waiting at Mardana railway yard.
0.53

6.
SV People waiting at bus station. (3 shots
1.07


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The shipping minister, Mr. P.B.G. Kalugalla has said the strikes by the port workers were a conspiracy by anti-government unions to topple the government by starving the people. The government has also cancelled all police and military leave so the service members can help transport essential supplies.




Initials VS 18.05



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: INTRODUCTION Strikes are threatening to paralyse Sri Lanka. Already they have crippled three ports and closed down virtually all railway operations. The troubles began more than a week age when railwaymen walked out demanding more pay.

SYNOPSIS: The navy has been forced to take over the operations at this harbour in the capital, Colombo. Most of the workers there and at two other major ports walks out after the government warned that it would take measures to maintain essential services if the railwaymen continued their stoppage.

Food and fuel shortages remain critical in provincial towns and vital supplies were driven in after the government requisitioned several hundred privately-owned trucks. The strike which led to deserted railway stations, began before Christmas. The workers wanted more pay for the holiday work.

The strike's costing Sri lanka about 150,000 U.S. dollars a day and has caused a shortage of flour, rice and sugar.

The government's also trying to solve a dispute with doctors who have been working to rule since late October. Their action has brought congested wards and forces hospitals to turn away thousands seeking treatment.