SLPA Chairman confident ECT issue will be resolved amicably

SLPA Chairman confident ECT issue will be resolved amicably

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Daya Ratnanayake has expressed confidence that that the issues over the East Container Terminal (ECT) will be resolved amicably after the Cabinet Sub-Committee hands in its report to the Minister.

The comments came ahead of a meeting between trade unions and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple trees on the issues over the ECT.

General Ratnayake told Timesonline that after the report is received the recommendations are due to be submitted to the Cabinet today (1).

The report prepared by the Cabinet sub committed headed by Ports Ministry Secretary U.D.C.Jayalal was handed over to the Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena today morning.

Meanwhile the protest campaign organized by 23 trade unions outside the Port is continuing until they receive a favourable response.

On Saturday a majority of partners in the ruling alliance said they want the ECT in the Colombo Port vested entirely with the SSLPA.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Democratic Left Front, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya, Ceylon Workers’ Congress, United People’s Party, National Congress, Eelam People’s Democratic Party and the Yuthukama Organization are among those who want the ECT to remain with the SLPA. 

(By Amila Prabodha Gamage)