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by Lalin Fernandopulle

Labour Relations and Foreign Employment Minister Athauda Seneviratne at a meeting with the officials of the Prima Corporation and representatives of the Inter Company Employees Union (ICEU) yesterday said that it is against the law to terminate the services of 1,600 employees without a valid reason and the consent of the Ministry of Labour.

The Minister instructed the management of the Prima Corporation to reinstate the employees till a final settlement is reached.

The Prima Corporation had earlier decided to terminate the services of employees after a request was made by the ICEU to increase the salaries of employees, ICEU sources said.

The ICEU had requested the Prima Company officials to approve a salary increment of Rs. 4000 for permanent employees and Rs. 150 for employees under contract with effect from 2006.

The management in their reply informed ICEU that it could add Rs. 1,100 to the basic salary and Rs. 200 as transport allowance while employees under contract will be given a daily allowance of Rs. 20.

The employees of the Ceylon Grain Elevators and all agrarian farmers owned by the Prima Company decided to keep away from work on March 20.

The company management on an intermediate order from the Supreme Court terminated the services of 1600 employees on the very same day. The Minister said that under the present government there won't be room for a private or state organisation to violate labour laws.

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