Several employees belonging to the trade unions of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), Lakhanda, Petroleum Corporation at Kolonnawa, Milco and CTB have had their services terminated or transferred after the January 26 Presidential election.

Trade union leaders from these institutions told The Island that these acts were political victimisation and they urge the managements of these institutions to cancel these letters of termination and transfers immediately so that those employees could return to work.

They said that the unions will take necessary action soon if there was no positive response to their appeal.

The president (Samantha Ratnayake), secretary (Lasantha Pradeepkumara), treasurer (Ranjith Pushpakumara) and 10 others representing the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) of the UNP have received letters of termination. They include Herbet Kumara Alagiyawanna, Kanchana Marasinghe, Gamini Pushpakumara, Indrajith Wanniarachchi, Athula Pieris, Vikum Basnayake, Ravi Abeywickrema, Nimal Tennakoon, Saman Kumara and Dulip Thusantha.

The CTB chairman Dammika Hewapathirana denied any claims of political victimisation and said he had not received any complaints so far.

He told The Island that Transport Minister Dallas Alahapperuma had put an end to any type of political victimisation at the CTB.

However, Senadeera of the Lanka Prawahana Sevaka Sangamaya (LPSS) told The Island that about 400 employees belonging to CTB depots islandwide had either being assaulted or threatened and not allowed to report to work after the Presidential election.

Senadeera said five of their union offices had been damaged, including the office at the Central Bus Stand in Pettah.

He alleged that 100 trade union employees of the Petroleum Corporation in Kolonnawa have been earmarked either for transfers or termination of their service.