By Norman Palihawadana, Pradeep Samarakoon and Roshan Gunasekera

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said that he had requested President Maithripala Sirisena not to terminate the protesting workers of the Magampura Port in Hambantota and the latter had assured that the matter would be discussed with the Prime Minister.

The former President said among the protesting workers were both UPFA and UNP supporters.

Rajapaksa said he would have talks on the issue with the Prime Minister as well.

Head of Hambantota Port Workers Guild Ruwantissa said the strike launched by the Hambantota Port workers would continue indefinitely until an assurance was given by Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga.

He said: “We cannot report to work in an institution which is likely to be closed soon. The port has been sold to a Chinese company.

The port workers’ strike was launched against the privatisation of the Hambantota Port and the government’s failure to make confirm them in service.

He said Ports and Shipping Minister had claimed that new workers would be recruited if the strikers did not report to work by yesterday, but no one would join a company which was to be closed down.

Ruwantissa said assets of the port had not been damaged by the strikers contrary to claims being made by the government.

Due to a protest launched by the residents of the area against the port being sold to a Chinese company, traffic was obstructed along the Hambantota-Tissamaharama road at Mirijjawila yesterday.

Courtesy:The Island