The officials of the Ministry of Labour, the Department of Labour and other relevant government offices yesterday engaged in a protest demanding that they should be provided an environment where they can exercise powers vested through the laws passed by the legislature independently and freely without any interference.
During the protest held in front of the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment, they also demanded that officials who exercise their duties without favour, bias or prejudice should be given necessary protection in case of any threats, in accordance with laws passed by the legislature.
In 2018, six people died after falling into a chemical waste tank in a rubber factory in Horana area.
The protest had been organised following threats against officials who acted independently and impartially when dealing with this incident, in accordance with the laws passed by the Parliament.
The protestors emphasized that in any case where the laws enacted by the Parliament are used to protect the rights of the people, the officers should be protected as mentioned in those laws.
The protestors further emphasized that if this is not the case, the government officials will be reluctant to implement the decrees and stressed that if such a situation arises, there will be a risk of slowing down the implementation of government policies.