(Lanka-e-News -12.April.2016, 12.15PM) Representatives of all the trade unions of the Ports authority in one voice requested the prime minister to remove Minister Arjuna Ranatunge from his ministerial post as well as Arjuna’s brother Dhammika Ranatunge (unsuitable and unqualified) who was appointed to the post of chairman of Ports authority by Arjuna . And owing to the siblings giving appointments to rogues and rascals the Ports authority is fast heading towards disaster, it was alleged.
During the discussions held at the Temple Trees yesterday (11), with the participation of Arjuna Ranatunge, all the trade union representatives in unison made the above request to the P.M. right before Arjuna .This is the first time in Sri Lanka ‘s history such a request to expel was made right before the minister in charge . It is specially noteworthy that it were the SLFP unions also which made this request to expel Arjuna and his brother.
This meeting that was convened by the P.M. was attended by representatives of all trade unions of the Port . Ministers Arjuna and John Seneviratne were also present with the P.M. Discussions centered on issues concerning the Port and the employees’ trade unions.At the end , the representatives of the unions said , the manner in which the Port is being run by Arjuna along with his relatives is courting disaster for the Institution -Ports authority.
Accusations were levelled by the trade union representatives against the minister and his relatives that they are maintaining a ‘dictatorship’ within the Port. The representatives charged that after opening a massage center within the Port , the mistresses and paramours of Ranatunges are being appointed to high positions. Hence the representatives were opposed to the administration of the Ranatunges within the Port. Therefore all the unions in unison urged that the minister and his chairman be expelled forthwith.
The P.M. responded by asking them to be patient until the Sinhala New year is over , to take a decision.
Minister Arjuna who turned panicky and jittery following the discussions through his media secretary issued a totally false communique which stated, Nimal Siripala De Silva and Malik Samarawickrema participated in those discussions, which is a blatant and brazen lie. Both of them were not present at the discussions.
Arjuna by using most povoctaive language in the conmmunique which is unbecoming to a responsible minister has described the trade union leaders as snakes and mongooses , thereby once again demonstrating most clearly that he is not suitable at all to hold a ministerial portfolio , and that he deserves the punishment the trade union leaders are demanding. Moreover , it is against his own SLFP trade union leaders he has used that abusive language , which is another reason that justifies the popular view that Arjuna as an unscrupulous and incompetent minister.
The SLFP trade union of the Port was a powerful trade union that conducted a determined campaign in the past against the corrupt and the corruption within the Port during the ‘nefarious decade’ of the Rajapakse brigand. Owing to their resistance and protests gaianst corruption a large group of them were dismissed from their posts during the Rajapakse brigand era.It is only after Maithripala Sirisena became the president injustice meted out to them by the previous regime was remedied. Now, strangely self serving Arjuna Ranatunge in his dementia is mounting criticism against the same trade union leaders .
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by (2016-04-12 08:31:16)
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7 discussion on this news
The last government was voted out to eliminate corruption, family bandyism, abuse of power etc., etc. What is the suitability of appointing a retired, admittedly good cricketer, as Minister in charge of Ports, which is a very vital position and should have a knowledgeable Minister. Worse still, he appoints his unqualified sibling as Chairman on the excuse that he is the only one he can trust . Only one out of 20 million Sri Lankans. It is a joke, and I cannot understand MS and RW permitting such appointments.
-- by Eddie Wijesuriya on 2016-04-12
Mekeda yahapalanaya
-- by gamage punyasena on 2016-04-12
Nepotism breeds Nepotism.
Another one is that Telecom chairman with Gamarala qualifications.
By the way how can I get entry to Ports massage parlour? Do they provide any additional services?
-- by Psycho on 2016-04-12
Arjuna clearly showed that he is not a team player although he considers himself as a puritan which is not. He spoilt his name by appointing his brother to the Ports, wonder what other underhand activities he is involved in. He should be weeded out from the cabinet and not even allowed to put his two cents worth regards Sri Lankan cricket. He is a liability to Sri Lanka government and definitely not an asset
-- by Aarkey on 2016-04-13
Hope the honourble PM will not believe the sixes the dishonorable minister is striking to keep his job.Dear PM, if you do not wish to embarass the minister by removing him from office, there is always the possibility of offering him another well-paid government job owth perks as the new ambassador to the West Indies or Panama.
-- by Batman on 2016-04-13
PM can you please appoint a Interim committee to handle all matters at the PORT
-- by Gon Saiman on 2016-04-15
These fellows didn't do anything other than playing cricket. What qualifications or the knowledge both the idiots have to run Ports Authority??
The president should kick both of them immediately. That Prassanna is only a thug!!!
-- by Udapila on 2016-05-07
