President Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, at a ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, took centre stage at the launch of the groundbreaking investigative book, “The Right Eye.” Authored by Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, the book marks the culmination of a 23-year journalistic quest, shedding light on the hidden events in the history of Sri Lanka’s labour movement.
The event, graced by distinguished guests, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and prominent figures from various sectors, witnessed Minister Nanayakkara presenting the first copy of “The Right Eye” to President Wickremesinghe. The book, with its right-wing analysis, not only delves into the history of the labour movement in Sri Lanka but also provides a visionary outlook on the future labour market.
By studying all the books and publications that have been written regarding the labour movement, this book has made an effort to bring out the reality of the hidden events in the history of labour.
Global trends
President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for modernisation in Sri Lanka’s labour movement, aligning it with global trends. He highlighted the unique beginnings of the labour movement in the country, tracing its roots to government employees. The government, as a pivotal force, controlled industries, ports, petroleum companies and bus services, forming the essence of the labour movement’s early development.
“The labour movement in Sri Lanka had a unique beginning. Unlike other countries with industries, our nation lacked a significant industrial base. Even when considering the struggles of carters, industries weren’t a driving force. Our trade unions predominantly originated from government employees.
The government played a pivotal role as it controlled industries, ports, petroleum companies and bus services. In essence, this movement had its roots in the government.”
President Wickremesinghe noted the transformative journey of workers who have transitioned from the working class to the middle class. These persons are now identified as trained professionals, graduates, trainees and engineers, reflecting a global trend in the evolving nature of employment. With 25-30 percent of workers in the Western world embracing remote work, the President stressed the imperative for Sri Lanka to adapt to this new work paradigm.
The President posed critical questions to the audience, questioning the readiness of Sri Lanka’s trade unions to embrace the digital realm and forge new connections in the evolving landscape. He called for fresh approaches in organising the labour movement, acknowledging the stark reality that physical gatherings have given way to dispersed and digitally connected communities.
New connections
“Are our trade unions embracing the digital realm? Are they adapting to forge new connections in this evolving landscape? The trade union movement, once rooted in the physical gathering of people, now faces a different reality—people are dispersed and connected online. In light of this transformation, we must contemplate fresh approaches to organising the labour movement,” he said.
Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, the visionary behind “The Right Eye,” took the podium to express his gratitude to President Wickremesinghe, whom he regarded as a mentor and a leader with an unparalleled vision for the future.
The Minister highlighted the challenges faced by the President, emphasising his fearless approach in confronting adversity to ensure the nation’s success.
Adding a compassionate touch to the launch, all proceeds from the book’s sales were announced to be dedicated to the welfare of the Kaffir community at Sirambiadi and the children of workers in Sri Lanka, underlining a commitment to social responsibility.
Cabinet Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Mahinada Amaraweera, Tiran Allas and Ministers of State Jagath Pushpakumara, Lasantha Agaliyawanna, Arundika Fernando were also present.
