STF storms CEB, frees chairman; unions to go on strike
The Special Task Force (STF) stormed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) on Wednesday and freed the chairman after he was held hostage by the staff.
Employees attached to trade unions protested at the CEB today after discussions with the chairman, W.B. Ganegala, over some demands failed.
The employees later surrounded the office of the chairman and held him hostage.
The Police obtained a court order and the employees were told to release the chairman but the protesting CEB employees refused to do so.
The STF was then called in and the CEB chairman was escorted out with Police protection.
A tense situation arose with some STF members, the Police and the protesters exchanging blows.
Following the incident, the CEB trade unions said that they will launch a strike on Thursday to protest over the manner in which the Police dealt with the situation. (Colombo Gazette)
