The All Ceylon General Ports Employees Union said that recent introduction of a new computer system at Jaya Terminal had caused chaos with many ships turning

towards Indian ports. Chandrasiri Mahagamage of the union affiliated to the JVP said that disruption of regular services had resulted in the loss of approximately Rs. 500 billion over the past 20 days.

Ports Authority Chairman Priyath Bandu Wickrema last night told The Island that though they had experienced some difficulties initially, they had gradually improved the situation. He said that the previous system had been in service for 22 years. He dismissed union claim of Rs.500 billion loss over the past 20 days as a figment of somebody’s imagination. "Our total annual income is about Rs 26 billion," he said. He expressed confidence that workers would get used to the new system.

He also rejected reports that ships had been turned back due to disruption of work. (SF)