A major corruption complaint hits Colombo Port as union leaders allege that changes to the East Terminal’s gate system are being made to benefit private operators costing taxpayers millions. A full investigation is now requested by CIABOC.
A formal complaint has been filed with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) by Port Trade Union Leader Shyamal Sumanaratne, alleging that changes to the entrance and gate system at the East Terminal of the Colombo Port could lead to a public financial loss exceeding Rs. 50 million.
According to the complaint, these alterations appear to be made with the intention of benefiting private terminal operators.
The original gate and road layout at the East Terminal was finalized in 2021, and a decision was taken at that time to retain the existing entrance system based on functionality and national interest.
However, since the current government assumed power, a new effort has emerged to modify this road plan. The reconfiguration, it is alleged, would result in a layout that offers undue advantage to privately owned jetties operating within the port.
The Port Trade Union Alliance expressed immediate concern upon receiving credible information about these developments. In response to the outcry, a ministerial steering committee was appointed under the guidance of the Minister in Charge of Ports to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Following a detailed assessment by the committee, the minister was advised that the most beneficial and cost-effective option for the country was to maintain the gate system as it currently exists.
Despite these recommendations, steps have continued to be taken to revise the layout, leading to further suspicion among port workers and stakeholders.
Shyamal Sumanaratne addressed the media, stating that the Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions has submitted a 10-point complaint to CIABOC, requesting a formal investigation and calling for legal action to be taken against the officials responsible. The allegations include misuse of public funds, corruption, and possible bribery in facilitating these structural changes.
He emphasized that such decisions, if left unchecked, could cause long-term damage to public trust and severely impact the integrity of port operations. As one of South Asia’s busiest and most strategically important ports, Colombo’s infrastructure choices must prioritize national interest over private gain, he said.
The complaint marks a growing concern over the influence of private terminal operators on public port planning and calls for urgent accountability measures to ensure transparent governance.
