Description

On 17th and 27th February, two gazette notifications were issued by the President declaring a
list of services as essential services, under the Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act,
No. 61 of 1979. Declaration as essential services has been historically used by repressive
governments in Sri Lanka to prevent trade union actions. This draconian law allows to impose
2 to 5 years of rigorous imprisonment, forfeiture of property, and removal from professional
registration against those who engage in trade union actions violating the President’s order.115
On 17th February 2023, the President declared all services connected to supply of electricity,
supply or distribution of petroleum products and fuel as essential services. On 27th
February, the President again declared all services related to public transport, travel, including
transportation of goods, as essential services.