New truck registration policy at Colombo port
Ports and Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said on Wednesday that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) would take action against one of its workers responsible for the strike launched by the container lorry transporters at the Colombo port and bring in a new policy for registration of these vehicles.
Without mentioning the name of the individual, the minister said they had found out that this particular worker also attached to the security division of the SLPA was the mastermind behind spearheading the strike. The minister was addressing a media briefing at the Ports Ministry in Colombo.
The strike was launched against the de-registration of the lorries since the minister noted it wascarried out in a dubious manner that resulted in trade union workers and influential politicians getting registrations for these said lorries.
Disruptive action by these port workers had led to the authorities obtaining redress through the courts as a result of which the strike was stopped due to a court order.
The minister said the registration of these lorries should be carried out in future through a committee which was appointed by him.
It was pointed out that political influence would not be allowed in the future as a result of which port workers would contribute totally to the SLPA and not for “any ministers.”
Minister Ranatunga said in the past workers were allowed to engage in trade union work for the welfare of the workers at the port however, they were then used by politicians to fulfil their tasks as a result of which such workers were working for various ministers.
Such practices would be stopped in future and no worker would be allowed to be influenced by politicians but contribute to the welfare of the SLPA alone, he said.