Port trade unions warn of 'natural death' for Colombo Port amid administrative crisis

Colombo, June 5 (Daily Mirror) - The Colombo Port, long considered the economic heartbeat of Sri Lanka, is heading towards a 'natural death' due to administrative mismanagement at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Co-Convenor of the Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions (JAPTU) Shyamal Sumanaratne warned.

Speaking at a special media briefing held in Colombo, Sumanaratne questioned whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is fully aware of the deteriorating state of affairs within the Ports Authority and the looming crisis surrounding the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT).

Sumanaratne alleged that under the current administration, the SLPA has fallen into disarray, plagued by poor leadership and stalled projects. Despite sending six letters to Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake and the Deputy Minister highlighting these issues, no responses have been received to date, he said.

He welcomed the recent removal of the Managing Director of the Ports Authority who previously served as the Project Director for the Eastern Container Terminal but urged further action, including addressing the departure of an experienced Ports Board member with crucial maritime expertise.

The trade union leader further accused the Ports Authority’s current administration of misleading President Dissanayake by claiming that the Eastern Container Terminal would be ready for opening by June 30. In reality, Sumanaratne said, the terminal’s launch could be delayed by another year and a half.

He attributed this to a series of detrimental actions under the current leadership, including the transfer of key administrative officials, the cancellation of tenders, and the halting of critical procurement processes. Notably, the tender for the purchase of ‘Straddle Carriers’ essential equipment for container operations was cancelled after the new administration assumed office and has yet to be reissued. According to Sumanaratne, it would take a minimum of 200 days to acquire this equipment once an order is placed.

He also noted that essential infrastructure, including computer systems, transportation equipment, and the recruitment of trained personnel for terminal operations, remains incomplete. Additionally, work on the terminal’s route has reportedly been suspended on the recommendation of a committee appointed by the Deputy Minister of Ports.

Sumanaratne expressed deep frustration with the National People's Power (NPP)-led government, claiming that the trade unions which backed its rise to power had been left disillusioned. “They promised so much to port workers, but not a single promise has been delivered,” he said.

He further alleged that attempts were being made to suppress trade union leaders raising concerns about the SLPA’s administration, but vowed that these efforts would ultimately fail.

The media briefing was also attended by Thushari Priyanka, President of the National Employees' Union; Indika Samarawickrama, President of the Free Employees' Union; and Dickson Gomez, President of the United Employees' Union, among other union representatives.

The JAPTU has vowed to continue its campaign to safeguard the Eastern Container Terminal, which was constructed at a cost of one billion dollars, and to defend the interests of port workers against what they describe as administrative neglect and political interference.

Pix by Kithsiri de Mel