Port workers continue struggle to have ECT in SL control

by Zulfick Farzan 01-07-2020 | 8:31 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said a diplomatic level agreement between Former President Maithripala Sirisena and Ex-Prime Minister of the UNP led-Government reached with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentions to offer the East Container Terminal to India.

However, he said a definite decision was not reached with respect to the ECT under the present government.

Earlier on Wednesday, the 01st of July, 03 port workers climbed to the top of a China-made gantry crane at the Colombo Port and commenced a fast demanding the East Container Terminal not be given to India and it be developed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority is completing construction for the development of ECT and at a time when there is a controversy of offering ECT to an Indian company, the three gantry cranes ordered from China by the former government reached the Colombo Harbour recently.

Trade Unions say the three gantry cranes must be placed at the East Container Terminal, however, approval is yet to be given for this.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority General (Retd) R. M. Daya Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said the former government ordered the new gantry cranes to be placed at JCT-05 premises of the Colombo Port, which is yet to be developed.

He said therefore, it was decided to temporarily move the three cranes to ECT, however, the move was suspended as an agreement inked by the former government with India posed an issue.

General (Retd) R. M. Daya Ratnayake said discussions are taking place over the matter.