Colombo port comes under scanner
The Colombo port a sensitive hub of economic activity, has had its workers subject to a COVID-19 test on Tuesday following requests by trade unions and random tests carried out in the city.
About 250 port workers have been subject to a random test for COVID-19 by health authorities together with the health unit at the port, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Gen. Daya Ratnayaka told the Business Times.
He noted that the workers were subjected to a test as part of a scheduled testing carried out randomly in the city and also following requests made by trade unions in the recent past.
Trade Union leader Chandrasiri Mahagamage had written to Health Services Director General in April requesting for testing of port staff following the detection of COVID-19 infected navy personnel from the Welisara base. The Colombo Port is manned by security personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy.
Following this request, last Tuesday health authorities had carried out testing of workers at the port, it was noted.
Meanwhile, the navy personnel manning the gates at the Colombo port were removed last Sunday following a detection of a COVID-19 infected sailor that had been to the Gaffoor building in Fort where navy personnel were carrying out work. The navy was reinstated at the Colombo port on Wednesday, authorities stated.