The proposal tabled by Ports Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena before the Cabinet of Ministers to transform the Colombo Port Eastern Terminal into a fully operational institution under the Ports Authority was granted approval the unanimous approval.

The Minister said that it was also decided to appoint a committee to discuss the development of the proposed Western Terminal at the Port of Colombo in collaboration with an Indian investor.

A few weeks ago, 23 port unions launched a joint protest against the proposal to jointly invest the Eastern Terminal with India's Adani Company.

Later, the government stated that it was proposed to make this investment with 49% being a private investment and 51% under the Ports Authority. However, the trade unions did not agree to the proposal.

Subsequently, a subcommittee was appointed to study the investment and to seek suggestions from the unions. It is against such a backdrop that 22 port trade unions submitted a proposal to the government.

Unable to reach any further agreement, the Ports Trade Unions launched a joint trade union action. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was summoned to Temple Trees for an urgent discussion, where the PM stated that the Eastern Terminal will not be leased or sold.

The Prime Minister also promised to seek Cabinet approval for the Cabinet Memorandum to retain the Eastern Terminal under the full ownership of the Ports Authority.

Accordingly, the Minister in charge of the subject Rohitha Abeygunawardena presented this Cabinet paper to the Cabinet last night.

Meanwhile, the President of the Commercial Industries and Services Progressive Employees Union Sanjaya Kumara Weligama stated that the trade union action to work to the letter will end from this morning.

However, Secretary of the Ports General Employees Union Niroshan Gorakanage stated that he does not agree with an attempt to give the Western Terminal to a private investor instead of the Eastern Terminal.