BusinessColombo Port workers engaged in the clearance of containers and cleaners have resorted to trade union action on Monday following repeated requests to allow inspections and weighing of goods to be carried out within the port premises itself. The port is faced with increased congestion as trucks carrying containers take about two and a half days to be cleared creating inhuman work conditions and congestion that adds up to all of the traffic in Colombo, the unions allege. Private Sector Container Operators Association General Secretary D.I. Inspections of goods on containers have been carried out since 2003 by two private companies Grey Line 1 and 2 due to the war situation prevalent in the country at the time. However, since the war ended this practice continues to date causing inconvenience to the lorry drivers and increasing the traffic congestion in Colombo, the unions alleged.

Source: Sunday Times March 05, 2018 10:18 UTC