Trade unions begin hunger fast over East Container Terminal

COLOMBO (News1st): Trade unions began a hunger fast on Wednesday demanding that the Colombo Port's East Container Terminal must not be handed over to foreign or private entities. The All Ceylon Port General Workers' Union said it had sought a written assurance from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the terminal's control will lie with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. "Before the election, give us a written assurance stating that the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port will not be privatized," a port employee engaged in the fast said. Protestors insisted that they would not call off their hunger fast until they receive the guarantee in writing. "If the East Container Terminal goes to India, all our jobs would be gone," Chandrasiri Mahagamage the secretary of the All Ceylon Port General Workers' Union remarked. The Port Collective Union to Protect the East Container Terminal met with the Anunayake of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Sect Most Ven. Vedaruwe Upali Thero. "It is our prime duty to protect the 2500-year-old heritage, the identity, and the land of our country for future generations," Most Ven. Vedaruwe Upali Thero insisted. He pointed out that the 2500-year-old heritage and identity of the country must be preserved for future generations.