ECT: Heed calls for saving it

This is an addendum to the letter captioned ‘Is government in self-destructive mode?’ contributed by N.A.de S.Amarathunga, which appeared in The Island on 22nd January 2021. Yes, I too agree that the government, which we elected with high hopes and expectations, is in a self- destructive mode, and is hurtling towards self-destruction at breakneck speed.

Take, for instance, the vexed problem relating to the Eastern Terminal of the Colombo port. We, the voters who elected this government to power, never expected this government to take controversial decisions pertaining to sensitive issues, such as the alienation of public assets, as the so-called ‘Yahapalana’ (good governance) government did in the case of the Hambantota port. In fact, the alienation of the Hambantota port to China played a main role in bringing about the downfall of the Yahapalana government at the last general election.

All the trade unions, led by the trade unions of the Colombo port, some civil society organizations, and most importantly sections of the Maha Sangha who spearheaded the campaign to bring the President and the present government to power, have taken up cudgels to defend and safeguard the Colombo Port, against the government they themselves elected. In addition to that, some sections, including some of the ministers of the government itself, have begun to express their opposition openly to the government relating to this issue. I believe that their opposition to the government in this issue is a reflection of the frustrated feelings of the multitudes who voted this government to power, expecting and dreaming of a strong government, which would defend the country against alien military as well as economic powers.

I do realize that the government is faced with unprecedented financial problems due to various reasons, including

g the massive costs involved in controlling and managing the Covid-19 pandemic, compelling it to seek the assistance of foreign investors to effect improvements to the Colombo port. However, I believe there are other ways and means of tackling the situation.

In the circumstances, I wish to make a suggestion for the consideration of the powers that be. The trade unions of the Colombo port, including the union of engineers, have clearly stated on several occasions that they are prepared to take up the challenge of effecting the necessary innovations and improvements to the port, including the East Terminal, eliminating the necessity to bring in foreign investors. I suggest to the government to ask them to submit a feasible plan of operations covering the innovations and improvements necessary for the Colombo port. Once the plan is received, I suggest it should be subjected to the scrutiny of a committee of specialists. In the event the plan proves to be adequately feasible, the green light could be given for them to commence operations. The implementation of the plan should be regularly monitored and evaluated.

I believe that it is the best course of action the government could pursue at this juncture to get over this dilemma.

N.P.KARUNADASA
S.L.A.S (Retired)
Kandy.