Port TUs call off strike after PM’s assurance

In the wake of assurances given by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the All Ceylon Port General Workers’ Union (ACPGWU) yesterday called off its strike action, which was launched the day before on an issue connected to the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port, Union’s Co-Convenor Prasanna Kalutarage said. 

The strike action was suspended soon after the Prime Minister invited them to a meeting at Carlton House in Tangalle to discuss these matters.   

Mr. Kalutarage told Daily Mirror the Premier phoned them and assured them that the three gantry cranes would be fixed in the Eastern Container Terminal.  The Premier said no decision had been taken to hand over the ECT to India.   

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

• The strike action was suspended soon after the Prime Minister invited  them to a meeting at Carlton House in Tangalle to discuss these matters