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The Colombo Port, once a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy, is on the brink of collapse due to mismanagement within the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), according to the Joint Alliance of Port Trade Unions (JAPTU).
At a media briefing in Colombo, JAPTU Co-Convenor Shyamal Sumanaratne warned that the port is heading towards a “natural death,” citing stalled development, mismanagement, and leadership failures. He raised concerns about delays to the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT), questioning whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is fully aware of the crisis.
Despite sending multiple warnings to Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake, union leaders claim there has been no government response. While the recent removal of the SLPA Managing Director was welcomed, Sumanaratne stressed that deeper systemic issues remain unresolved, especially after the departure of a veteran Ports Board member with critical maritime expertise.
The ECT, initially promised for a June 30 opening, may be delayed by up to 18 months due to procurement halts and internal missteps. Equipment tenders for essential tools like straddle carriers were cancelled and have not been reissued—delays that could take more than 200 days to fix once reactivated.
Additional setbacks include unfinished computer systems, halted recruitment of trained staff, and suspension of critical infrastructure work following recommendations from a deputy ministerial committee.
Sumanaratne accused the new NPP-led government of failing to deliver on its promises to port workers, while other union leaders echoed his frustration, warning of further unrest if urgent reforms are not made.
