Colombo (News 1st); The Gazette Notification on converting the port services in the country into essential services, was tabled in Parliament by Minister Johnston Fernando.

However, opposition lawmaker Lakshman Kiriella strongly opposed the move citing there is no need to make the port services an essential service as there are no protests or strikes at the moment.

He said this is an attempt to prevent trade union opposition against the moves being made to sell the East Container Terminal to another country.

However, Minister Johnston Fernando said the gazette notification does not relate to ECT adding when the COVID-19 pandemic surged in the country, 35 ships were turned back, and taking this situation into account the President made the port service an essential service.

“Do not try to achieve political mileage using this,” he cautioned the opposition MP.

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