Sri Lanka: Fuel strike suspended until August 1 /update 1

Event

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) trade union announced on Wednesday, July 26, that it will suspend its current strike until Tuesday, August 1. Union officials stated that they decided to temporarily call off the action after meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday evening. According to media reports, at least 20 striking workers were detained on July 26 after the government deployed troops into Colombo to restore fuel supplies to the city.

Context

Media sources reported fuel shortages in the country after the workers launched the strike on Monday, July 24. CPC workers decided to launch the protest after Sri Lanka's cabinet approved a deal with the Chinese government on July 25 to run the country's Hambantota port, harboring oil transport infrastructure. CPC opposes the deal, considering it a means to introduce unwanted foreign competition into the country's energy sector. Additionally, workers are demanding the government cancel a recent lease of oil tanks to the Indian Oil Corporation on the island's eastern coast.

Advice

Individuals in Sri Lanka are advised to fill up gas tanks whenever possible, be prepared for transportation disruptions, and monitor the situation. Additionally, individuals should avoid any and all demonstrations associated with the strike.