Transfers, inquiries amidst port agitation
Port workers continued their agitation on Friday amidst punishment transfers and inquiries initiated against the trade union leaders that have been campaigning to ensure that the East Container Terminal (ECT) will be run solely by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
Friday’s demonstration was to be carried out at the Gate 3 entrance to the Colombo Port with the participation of all trade union members during the lunch hour, All Ceylon General Workers Union General Secretary Niroshan Gorakanage told the Business Times on Tuesday.
He noted that they would also submit their proposals on the running of the ECT to the Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee (CANC) on Friday.
The trade union leader also said that they are scheduled to meet religious leaders next week in a bid to intensify their campaign and have gained the support of all other trade unions as well outside of the port to agitate against the involvement of India in the running of the operations of the ECT.
He also noted that he has been subjected to an immediate transfer within the port to another section and an inquiry as well which he believes is as part of his involvement in this movement.
In addition, the Deputy Head of the Pohottuwa trade union has also been subject to an inquiry by the SLPA.
Meanwhile, SLPA Chairman Gen. Daya Ratnayaka told the Business Times on Friday that the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) has submitted their document and now the CANC will commence their work and is scheduled to complete their draft recommendation by the end of this month.
He noted that Japan is very much in the agreement as part of the 49 per cent but they are yet to agree to change their stance. The Sri Lankan government has requested them to come in as an investor and Gen. Ratnayaka noted that Japan is yet to agree and that in this respect discussions are being carried out.