Signing of online petition against handing over 49% of ECT shares to India begins

The signing of an online petition to be submitted to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa commenced yesterday against the government’s decision to involve an Indian company in operating the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port.

The petition was launched by the JVP-led National Trade Union Centre.

“The reason for the handing over of the ECT, whether it is for investment, a donation, or development is irrelevant” Politburo Member of the JVP K.D. Lalkantha said.

“We request the public to think of the country and support this effort in the way they can regardless of their political differences.”

Lalkantha said that the government had made several claims, but the end result would be that the country would lose 100 percent ownership of the ECT. Based on the proposal at least 49 percent of shares would be given to a foreign entity in return for funds. The ECT could annually generate an income exceeding 250 million US dollars, he said.