by Raja Waidyasekera

The Hambantota Port employees are continuing their sathyagraha, which enters the eighth day today, at the main entrance of the harbour. They say that they will not end their protest in spite of threats to thier lieves. They demand the cancellation of the sale of the port to a Chinese company and their absorption into the permanent cadre of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Meanwhile, the prelates of the temples in close proximity to the port chanted seth pirith to invoke blessings on the protesters on Monday morning.

Addressing those who participated in the sathyagraha the Hambantota District MP D. V. Chanaka said the protesters had been attacked with clubs at the behest of the government. Those employees had served the institution for a period of four years and as such they felt for their institution.

Meanwhile, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mahinda Amaraweera, addressing the media at the port premises, said that the journalists were an asset to the country. They performed their duties under trying circumstances for a minimum payment risking their lives as such they should be allowed to perform their duties without any obstruction.

The minister of fisheries said that a lengthy discussion had been held with prime minister Ranil Wickremesinhe, Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and Minister Malick Samarawickrama on the port dispute. He said they had served at a salary of Rs. 10,000 for a period of four years under trying circumstances.

Courtesy:The Island