PSIREN

STDP was started 2003 and funded by the ADB and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Various world-famous construction companies are involved to implement the project namely Kumagy, Thaichi, China harbor. Some of the foreign companies have given sub-construction to local companies.
By 2008, a number of problems are unaccounted because of the labor rules violation of these companies. Some of workers lost their jobs because of various reasons. Some of companies have terminated the workers contract without paying compensation. The STDP project badly damage workers health and some of them lost their hands, eyes, ears but unfortunately they have not received compensation.
The workers arranged protest campaign in March 2008 against the foreign and local companies. After the campaign, one of companies filed a case against 15 workers. The workers’ coalition is asking ten (10) demands from the company management:
• Increase 3000 rupees in salary because of the high-rocketing cost of living;
• Give stable working period (6.30 am – 3.30pm);
• Expand the contract agreement of the workers;
• Pay salaries in 10th day of each month;
• Pay attendance bonus according to calculation of 25 days;
• Pay risk allowance to workers who work in drilling, blasting and crushing;
• All workers taken to one management unit;
• Upon termination, job pay compensation to workers;
• Not reduce workers salary because of the protest campaign;
• Recruit intelligent, polite officer for administration.
The Green Movement of Sri Lanka has actively supported the workers’ campaign and in other resettlement issues involving ADB and STDP. On world workers day Green Movement of Sri Lanka organized poster campaign to raise awareness in the community and in various government departments, ministries and private institutions. As well, the Green Movement is planning to file a case on behalf of those who have been disabled from the project construction to demand compensation from the construction company.