ECT: Port workers to call off 'Work to Rule' campaign

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Port Trade Unions have decided to call off the Work to Rule trade union action launched in objection of the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port being handed over to India, trade union members said on Tuesday (Feb. 02). The trade union action will be called off today (02) after the Cabinet of Ministers decided on Monday night (Feb. 01) that the ECT will be operated 100% by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Prasanna Kalutharage, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya said operations at the Colombo Port will resume as usual from 10:00 am today. The trade unions will keep a close watch on the future proposals regarding the West Terminal of the Colombo Port; in the event, a decision that deems harmful to the country is taken, the trade unions are prepared to object, Kalutharage told News 1st on Tuesday (02). The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (01) approved the proposal for a cabinet appointed negotiations committee to discuss the development of the West Terminal of the Colombo Port with the Government of India. The Cabinet of Ministers reached this decision at the same time, it was decided to operate the East Container Terminal under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, the Minister of Ports and Shipping said on Tuesday (02).