New truck registration policy at Colombo port

  Ports and Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said on Wednesday 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 was carried 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.