Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said the port’s resources will never be sold.
He added that even the Hambanthota Harbour which has become a white elephant, will not be sold.
Thre is no intension of selling the Hambantota Port eventhough it has become a huge burden to the country’s economy. “Our main intension is to find a suitable investor to lease out the Hambantota Port to commence operations. As an outcome of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China, we have received an investment plan from a Chinese investor,” he said.
Minister Ranatunga added that whenever something good is done on behalf of the country, there is a negative reaction to this.
The Joint Opposition, which sheds crocodile tears over Hambantota Harbour, had not taken any measures to give permanency to the 482 employees of the Hambantota Harbour, during the Rajapaksa regime.
“These youth have been used for political gains. But, we did not want to make their lives more difficult. Therefore we offered them permanency in employment despite the financial crisis.
Unlike the previous rulers, we never use these youths for political gains. They are utilised for the betterment of the port sector,” the minister added.
