July 03, Colombo: The trade union collective says they have called off the strike launched by the employees of Colombo Port following a discussion with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Trade Unions Collective to Protect Colombo East Container Terminal (ECT) comprising 23 trade unions launched a strike yesterday demanding to set-up three cranes which had been imported from China and at the port since last month.

Former Parliamentarian Gamini Lokuge and a group of employees of the 23 Ports Authority trade unions had arrived at the Carlton House in Tangalle today to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Shamal Sumanaratne, the secretary of the Ports, Commerce Industries and Progressive Workers Union said the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed to install the three cranes at the Eastern Container Terminal and therefore, the decision was taken to end the strike.