TUs discussion with Prez failed; we continue our struggle: JVP

While claiming that yesterday’s discussion of the Port Trade Unions’ with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was unsuccessful, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said today they would continue the struggle to protect the full-ownership of the Eastern Jetty of the Colombo port.

JVP politburo member and Chairman of the National Trade Union Centre K.D. Lal Kantha told a news conference that the government had officially hinted during yesterday’s discussion that the Eastern Jetty would be handed over to India.

He said though the President claimed that the Jetty would not be sold to India, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) would lose the full ownership of 100%, if 49% of its shares were given to India.

“It was confirmed at yesterday’s discussion that 49% of the Eastern Jetty's shares will be given to India, while the SLPA will retain 51%. That is what we oppose. What we want is the SLPA retain the full ownership of the Jetty,” he said.

He said the Ports' TUs should never withdraw their struggle against the government’s move and request them to stand firm to retain the 100% ownership of the Eastern Jetty under SLPA.

“We, as a party will continue our struggle. We will never give that up. We appeal to all the progressive forces and TUs to stand against this move,” he stressed. (Ajith Siriwardana)