Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says that the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port will be operated “100%” under the control of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

He said that the relevant Cabinet paper will be submitted today.

The PM assured of this during a discussion held today (01) with the representatives of port trade unions.

The collective of trade unions at the Colombo Port had resorted to trade union action, such as a work-to-rule campaign, opposing any moves to handover control and ownership of the ECT to any foreign country. 

The Prime Minister had assured yesterday that the ECT will not be handed over to a foreign country or company while a meeting was held this morning (01) at Temple Trees between trade union leaders and the PM to discuss the matter.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister had stated that the incumbent government’s main policy is not to sell local resources and that under this the East Container Terminal will not be sold to any country or control handed over, the PM’s Office said.

“The Prime Minister said it will continue to operate as an institution operating 100% under the Ports Authority.”

The statement added that the report of the committee appointed by subject minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena to look into this issue was presented to the PM and President and that the recommendations were later presented to the foreign company. 

However, due to that company not agreeing to the conditions, a Cabinet pap0er will be presented this evening to operate the East Container Terminal 100% under the Ports Authority. 

The PM’s Office said that the trade unions agreed to this decision and also agreed to end the work-to-rule campaign from tomorrow (02). During the discussion, the trade union representatives had requested to provide a written document guaranteeing that the ECT would not be sold.

Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Prasanna Kalutarage of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya stated that they expect the Cabinet paper to be received tomorrow.
 
“We believe that the Prime Minister’s promise to use will be fulfilled tomorrow. We will not end our trade union action until that official announcement made,” he said. 

Met the Eastern Container Terminal(ECT)workers trade union to assure them that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity. The #lka ports authority will maintain control of the ECT. #GoSL adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt. pic.twitter.com/YnNQdHSSDo

— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) February 1, 2021