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Hakeem assures reasonable solutions to workers just demands

by Rashomi Silva

Port Development and Shipping Minister Rauff Hakeem on Wednesday assured reasonable solutions to the harbour employees' just demands through discussions and negotiations as a part of the government's strong commitment to develop the Colombo harbour as a regional hub.

The Minister was speaking at the opening of a fully fledged indigenous medical centre at the Ports Authority premises and self service food parlour at the Bandaranaike Bridge.

Hakeem hinted at a 'revolutionary change' in the authority in next year after taking off on a new development plan.

"The Ports Authority employees can rightly be proud of the progress the Authority has made during past 20 months. It is the vision of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to upgrade the Colombo harbour to that of International standards."

He added that during the Premier's recent visit to India, he had discussed with the Indian officials ways of establishing better co-relations between the Harbours of the two countries.

Referring to the tri- annual salary increase granted to the Authority's employees Hakeem said that a committee will be appointed to look into the salary increases that are due next year.

"There are elements who are trying to create chaos within the Ports Authority, the institution which attracts a wealth of foreign exchange".

However, he stressed that the Port's Authority management would not hesitate to take necessary action against anybody who tries to create chaos in the Ports Authority.

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