By T. Chandrasekera, Badulla Corr.
Ceylon Workers’ Congress leader and Estate Infrastructure Minister Arumugam Thondaman said yesterday that they will, by hook or by crook, obtain their demand of a Rs.400 wage increase. He was addressing a meeting by estate workers at Nayabedda Estate, Bandarawela.

This protest meeting had been organised by Uva Provincial Minister M. Sachchinanda.

Thondaman said that in order to win their demands a massive strike covering all estates including agitational campaigns would be held.

"In order to carry out our struggle legitimately, we have decided to withdraw the mutual agreement entered into with the Employers’ Federation on Tuesday. After the withdrawal of the agreement, several other demands in addition to the payment of Rs.400 would be forwarded to the Employers’ Federation", Thondaman said.

A large number of estate workers from estates, including those in Bandarawela, Haputale, Pranagaala, Nayabedde participated in the protest meeting which began three weeks ago.