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TUs: Launching ECT operations on 01 July an impossible target

Sunday Island

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June 08, 2025

The government's muchpublicised plan to launch operations at the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port on 01 July — the first key development initiative promised by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake — will not be achievable, according to port unionists

- CHAMINDA SILVA

TUs: Launching ECT operations on 01 July an impossible target

The ongoing mismanagement and political interference by NPP appointees at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) have caused major setbacks, rendering the presidential commitment unachievable within the promised timeline, trade unions affiliated to the Opposition have alleged.

The SLPA’s Managing Director earlier informed the SLPA Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and key stakeholders in the maritime sector that ECT operations would commence by June 30. This led President Dissanayake to announce July 1 as the date of the launch. However, union leaders say it was a premature move.

Sunday Island

This story is from the June 08, 2025 edition of Sunday Island.

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