The All Ceylon General Port Employees Union says a decision was reached to stage a massive protest in Colombo Fort from noon today, based on several demands.
Speaking to NewsRadio, Chief Secretary Niroshan Gorakanage said the protest is being launched as favourable solutions have not been provided to several concerns including 13 acres of land owned by the Ports Authority being sold to China, the harbour being handed over to a company and salary anomalies.
Gorakanage said the protest is also being launched over disruptions to social media activity and the failure to contain the spread of COVID-19 under a stringent programme.
He claimed the 13-acre land being sold to China is a valuable property located along the access road to the four terminals of the Harbour, adding that an estimate report and tenders have not been called in this regard, which is a serious situation.
He added property owned by the Port had been sold to various factions during the terms of former administrations as well, and claimed the present government came into power promising to reclaim such property.
Gorakanage said however the present administration attempted to sell the East Container Terminal, sold the West Container Terminal and is now attempting to sell another prime land.
He stressed the protest is being launched to prevent the move, as it will be a great loss to the country if the land is sold.
