The Government under the administration of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will not resort to any move which is detrimental to the country regarding the issue of the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port, Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.
Commenting on the trade union action by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) trade unions, Minister Rambukwella said such action is a right of the trade unions but whether their cause is right or otherwise has to be looked into.
“As far as the trade unions are concerned, they have the right to launch trade union action but their cause should be justifiable. The point that has to be known is whether this ECT matter is finalised or at the discussion level,” the Minister told the Sunday Observer.
The Minister said it would be more appropriate to get all the details in a proper manner. According to the Ports Minister a few things are still under consideration.
He said the political motives behind the protest on the ECT had always been there. “I don’t think they give any due consideration. Some trade unions have a reasonable and justifiable cause but some have just joined the bandwagon. Some trade unions are politically motivated and others are biased by character. Therefore, there are few areas that we need to specify and get to the bottom of it.”
He said everybody must come to an understanding as to why they are resorting to trade union action. The Government has no animosity towards the public. Therefore, there should be a valid point behind the whole thing.
Asked whether there is difference of opinion among the constituent parties of the Government regarding the ECT, the Minister said we have to sit together and discuss the issue before reaching a final decision. There will be a collective responsibility on that, he added.