The Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions has raised concerns over an alleged plan by a major shipping company to acquire the Eastern Container Terminal of the Colombo Port. The union suspects that the terminal’s route plan has been altered to facilitate this acquisition, sparking fears over the future control of Sri Lanka’s key port facilities.
Speaking at a media conference in Colombo on February 13, Shyamal Sumanaratne, Co-Convenor of the Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions, claimed that secret discussions regarding the terminal’s takeover are already underway. He warned that if this attempt succeeds, Sri Lanka would lose control over both the Eastern and Western Terminals, leaving only cricket to be played at these locations.
Sumanaratne further criticized the current administration of the Ports Authority, stating that multiple issues have plagued the port due to years of mismanagement. He revealed that trade unions have sent two letters to the Minister of Ports, requesting a meeting to address concerns, but have not been granted an audience. He also recalled how trade unions previously opposed a deal to hand over the Eastern Terminal to India, successfully bringing it under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). However, he accused the newly appointed port management of lacking knowledge about port operations and making arbitrary decisions.
According to Sumanaratne, the main issue stems from the appointment of Ganaka Hemachandra as the Managing Director of the Port Authority, a position he allegedly secured due to political influence rather than merit. He pointed out that twenty officers with more experience and seniority were overlooked for this appointment. He further accused Hemachandra of running the port without consulting lower management officials and changing the road plan of the Eastern Terminal without approval. The original plan, designed by engineers from the Ports Authority, two world-renowned companies, and experts from the Road Development Authority, has now been altered under questionable circumstances.
The union leader expressed concerns that a large ditch is being dug at the Eastern Terminal and a new gate is being constructed, allegedly under the pretense of preventing containers from falling. He questioned whether these changes were being made to sabotage the development of the Eastern Terminal and facilitate its takeover by a foreign entity. Despite detailed reports being submitted to the Minister and Deputy Minister, no action has been taken.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently stated that the Eastern Terminal would be completed by June. However, Sumanaratne dismissed this claim, asserting that such a timeline is impossible given the mismanagement of the current administration. He accused port officials of misleading the President with false information and highlighted the involvement of government-linked individuals in delaying the project.
Concerns were also raised about the cancellation of tenders related to Eastern Terminal development, which has deterred shipping companies from continuing their contracts with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The trade unions warned that the departure of more shipping companies from the Colombo Port is likely if these issues remain unresolved.
Calling for urgent intervention, Sumanaratne urged the government to halt the alleged plan and prevent further mismanagement at the port. He emphasized that while the government holds power, the port belongs to the country, and allowing its mismanagement would jeopardize Sri Lanka’s future trade. He vowed that the unions would resist any attempts to privatize the Eastern Terminal and promised to take strong action if necessary.
The union also revealed that a shipping company has formally proposed acquiring the Eastern Terminal and claimed that Port Authority officials are secretly involved in the negotiations. The trade unions remain firm in their stance, stating that they will fight to protect the Eastern Terminal at any cost and will not allow any foreign company to take control.
The media conference was attended by several trade union representatives, including Udeni Kalutanthri and Thushari Priyanga, co-conveners of the Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions.
