Colombo Port workers protest for second day over ECT

Port workers have continued their protest today (Thursday) during the lunch hour demanding authorities commence work at the East Container Terminal (ECT) and retaining it within the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
Workers are demanding that the MOC agreement entered into between Sri Lanka, India and Japan be done away with and request the government to run it under the SLPA.
Meanwhile Ports and Shipping Ministry Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne, who also heads the committee appointed by the President to look into the Jaya and Eastern terminals, is studying the purchasing process involved in bringing down the cranes that have become a subject of controversy. The three cranes meant for JCT 5 have been installed at the ECT.
The committee is due to meet again on Friday and is to submit a report by August 15, he told TimesOnline adding that they are currently engaged in investigating and clarifying with the relevant officials on how the cranes were purchased.
SLPA sources have pointed out that however, authorities are likely to go ahead with the establishment of the consortium and the agreement entered into with India, after the parliamentary poll. (SD)