Arjuna talks of foreign conspiracy behind protest against Hambantota port

Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga last week alleged that there could be a foreign conspiracy behind efforts to scuttle the development of Hambantota port.

The Minister however didn’t name the foreign nation.

He made this allegation whilst speaking at a religious ceremony titled ‘Village Temple is Village Strength’ at the Banduragoda Temple in Gampaha district.

He said that at present China is developing the Kra Canal linking Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Islands via this canal greater seaborne trade between South China Sea and Indian Ocean. This is similar to Panama or Suez Canal.

“There is an opinion that because of the new canal being built in Thailand, business in a major country in the region may get impacted. Efforts to scuttle Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop Hambantota port with Chinese investor could be by this nation. I can’t be definitive but once Thai Canal is developed it will be an alternative to transit (through the Straits of Malacca) and shorten transit for shipments within Asia. Any ship operator would prefer quicker access to a market,” Ranatunga said.

“Once this Thai Canal is developed Hambantota port and Colombo port will also benefit tremendously. Perhaps this foreign nation could be inciting Lankan people to object to Government’s development plans for Hambantota,” Minister Ranatunga has said according to a statement issued by Ports and Shipping Ministry.

The Minister has assured that the Government will ensure national interest is not endangered when developing the Hambantota port.

“I have given clear instructions to Board of Sri Lanka Ports Authority to ensure national interest first. This is the stand of both President and the Prime Minister. We will ensure best benefit for the country,” Minister Ranatunga added.

He said negotiations between the Government and the Chinese investor on Hambantota port is still continuing. 

Minister said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa operated Magampura Port as a private enterprise than a Government Authority. This could be because he wanted to attract foreign investors. 

Minister Ranatunga also said that for the development of Hambantota port, two bids were received and the officials committee recommended the most suitable investor. A top Ministerial level committee is studying the recommendation and will be referred to Attorney General and thereafter to the Cabinet. “We will place the matter before Parliament and will sign the agreement thereafter,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that national interest will be paramount and revitalisation of Hambantota port was critical. “People may say different things but even President Rajapaksa hasn’t said not to bring investors. There have been various misrepresentations about land but we haven’t decided to set aside 15,000 acres from one area,” Ranatunga explained.

He said that there is no dispute on the construction of a port in Hambantota but the issue is the cost. We cannot repay the debt incurred to build Hambantota port for 200 years. The party which constructed the Hambantota port has offered a lower value. It appears a certain amount has gone elsewhere. As a Government we have to check this and take action against those responsible than harassing small thieves. Even former heads of Sri Lanka Ports Authority have gone scot-free and employees are questioned by FCID. If big crooks are nabbed it is better for the country,” the Minister said.

He said President and Prime Minister must ensure action against large scale bribery and corruption if not frustration will grow.