Port TUs call off strike following PM’s assurance

Following the assurance of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the All Ceylon Port General Workers' Union (ACPGWU) had decided to call off their strike which was launched yesterday over an issue with the Eastern Container Terminal of the Colombo Port, ACPGWU Co-Convenor Prasanna Kalutarage said.

Yesterday, the trade unions suspended the strike upon a request made by the Prime Minister who invited them for a meeting to discuss the issues with him.

Accordingly, a meeting was held between the Premier and trade union representatives at Carlton House in Tangalle this morning.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Mr. Kalutarage said Prime Minister Rajapaksa phoned them and assured to fix the three gantry cranes in the Eastern  Container Terminal.

The Premier has said that no final decision had been taken to give the Eastern Container Terminal to India.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office said an agreement was reached to at the meeting to unload the three cranes at the harbour.

The Prime Minister has assured to resolve the issues faced by trade unions by presenting them to the Cabinet.