Colombo Port employee strike enters day 3

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The strike action by employees of the Colombo Port enters its third day today.

Employees of all terminals at the Colombo Port withdrew from services on Friday demanding that the East Terminal of the Colombo Port be maintained under the ownership of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Trade unions engaged in the strike action claim that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority incurs a daily loss of Rs.700 million owing to the strike.

A discussion between Minister Wimal Weerawansa, Former Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila and trade union members on Friday ended inconclusively.

The Trade Union Collective for the Protection of the East Terminal is seeking a written assurance from the government, that the East Terminal will be vested under the purview of the Ports Authority.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says he is prepared to hold talks in order to solve the concerns related to the Port.

The Premier is of the view that trade unions must hold discussions with administrations prior to launching strike actions.

The Prime Minister speaking at a rally in Hiniduma said engaging in a strike during an election is a disruptive action.