UPDATE 11.30: The strike action launched by the container workers at the Port had been called-off, Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said. However, Jathika Sevaka Sangamya (JSS) President of Ports Authority, Udeni Kaluthanthri told Ada Derana that they will not call off the strike until the authorities submit a written assurance on the matter.  

UPDATE 11.50: Jathika Sevaka Sangamya (JSS) President of Ports Authority, Udeni Kaluthanthri said that the strike action was called-off as they provided with a written assurance on the matter. 

Some 1,000 workers and drivers at the Colombo Port have resorted to a strike action blocking the Ingurukade Junction since last night claiming that the authorities have failed to provide prompt solution to the heavy vehicular congestion at the port.

The protesters charged the container vehicles that arrive into the port cannot easily leave due to the massive congestion in the area.

A discussion between the employees and the relevant authorities will hold in order to negotiate the issues, this afternoon, the police said.

The protesters had refused to halt their strike action and demanded that the strike will continue until a solution is provided.

According to acting Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunesekera, around 150 policemen have been deployed in the area for security. Heavy traffic also reported on Armour Street to Ingurukade junction and towards Peliyagoda due to a protest by container workers and drivers at the Colombo Port, the police said.