Cabinet sub-committee to sell Hambanthota Harbour
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The agreement relevant to hand over Hambanthota Harbour to China Merchants company was presented to cabinet yesterday (21st). However, due to objections raised by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping the President appointed a sub committee to consider the agreement.
Earlier too an agreement was compiled but due to opposition from trade unions in port, other trade unions, masses and political parties the Ministry of Ports and Shipping expressed its objection in the cabinet and the government had to withdrew the agreement. Later, the agreement was amended and has been presented to the cabinet.
However, due to objections from the Ministry of Ports and Shipping presented by its acting Minister Nishantha Muthuhettigama the cabinet could not approve the agreement yesterday too.
A cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister Sarath Amunugama has been appointed to consider the objections raised. The other members of the sub-committee are Ministers Susil Premajayanth, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Faizer Musthapa and Arjuna Ranatunga.
According to the agreement presented yesterday ‘China Merchants’ would get 90% of the shares and Sri Lanka Ports Authority would get only 20%.
It is further reported that the clauses included in the agreement include many complications and if the agreement is to be implemented many new laws would be necessary and it would be necessary to amend the Port Authority Act.
Earlier too an agreement was compiled but due to opposition from trade unions in port, other trade unions, masses and political parties the Ministry of Ports and Shipping expressed its objection in the cabinet and the government had to withdrew the agreement. Later, the agreement was amended and has been presented to the cabinet.
However, due to objections from the Ministry of Ports and Shipping presented by its acting Minister Nishantha Muthuhettigama the cabinet could not approve the agreement yesterday too.
A cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister Sarath Amunugama has been appointed to consider the objections raised. The other members of the sub-committee are Ministers Susil Premajayanth, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Faizer Musthapa and Arjuna Ranatunga.
According to the agreement presented yesterday ‘China Merchants’ would get 90% of the shares and Sri Lanka Ports Authority would get only 20%.
It is further reported that the clauses included in the agreement include many complications and if the agreement is to be implemented many new laws would be necessary and it would be necessary to amend the Port Authority Act.
