Dear Friends,
We write to express our urgent concern regarding the treatment of the newly formed branch union of workers at Suwa Seriya 1990, Sri Lanka’s nationwide emergency ambulance service.
However, nearly one month has passed without any response, acknowledgement, or meeting from management, despite follow-up letters. This failure to engage with workers’ elected representatives undermines their right to organise and bargain collectively.
At the same time, management has reportedly instructed workers to use their personal mobile phones from 21 September 2026 for work related duties, including attendance recording and shift related communication. Workers object to being required to use their own phones for organisational work, particularly when official phones are already provided. Some workers do not own suitable personal phones. We are concerned that this measure may create unnecessary pressure on workers and contribute to an atmosphere of intimidation following the formation of the union.
Suwa Seriya workers provide an essential life-saving public service across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. Their rights, dignity, safety, and collective voice must be protected. Please find the attached Letter we sent to Ms. M. N. K. Wataliyyada, Commissioner General of Labour, Department of Labour, Sri Lanka in this regard.
We therefore appeal for your urge support to:
- Send an appeal email with the following contact information to Ensure that Suwa Seriya 1990 management immediately recognises and engages in good faith dialogue with the FTZ&GSEU branch union.
- Facilitate an urgent meeting to address the workers’ submitted demands.
- Ensure that no worker faces pressure, discrimination, or retaliation because of union membership or activity.
Please send the emails to: - Ms. M. N. K. Wataliyyada, Commissioner General of Labour, Department of Labour, Sri Lanka cgldol@sltnet.lk
- Chairman, Suwaseriya Foundation, info@1990.lk
- Free Trade Zones & General Services Employees Union , ftzunionlanka@gmail.com
Your cooperation in this regard is highly appreciated.
Thank You
In Solidarity
ANTON MARCUS
JOINT SECRETARY
Free Trade Zones & General Services Employees Union
+94-112693283 | +94-777281477 | www.ftzunionlanka.lk
ftzunionlanka@gmail.com | Skype : anton.marcus2
No.17/7, Kuruppu Road, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka.
