Port workers declare black week from today in protest of ECT deal  

Trade unions at the Colombo Port will resume their protest campaign this afternoon (Wednesday) demanding the government to start East Container Terminal (ECT) operations soon directly under the Sri Lanka Ports Development Authority.

Members of 23 trade unions of the Port Authority will participate in massive protest demonstration this afternoon (from1 2 noon today) near the port chaithya, President of Sri Lanka ports independent union Lal Bengamuwage said.

A black week will be declared commencing from today, he said, adding that their struggle will continue until the Sri Lanka Ports Authority receives complete control of the terminal.
          
He pointed out that the gantry cranes purchased to develop the terminal are not being used, despite being unloaded after a strike by port workers recently.

He claimed that the current government is intending to hand over the terminal to India after the August 5 parliamentary election.(BS)