Video: Govt. to proceed with Colombo Port City Project

5 February 2015 11:23 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 63 Bookmark

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The Government said today it would go ahead with the Chinese-funded Colombo Port City Project saying that the initial studies on the project including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report were found in order.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Rajitha Senaratne said President Maithripala Sirisena will discuss the modalities and the logistics of the project during his visit to China next month soon after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Sri Lanka.

“We have decided to allow the development projects to proceed but without any fraud or corruption. The EIA on the project was carried out by the Moratuwa University, which is known for its assessment quality. However, a few more details of the Port City Project still need to be clarified,” he told the Cabinet news briefing.

The minister said the percentage of ownership of the project and the leasing terms would be discussed and clarified with the Chinese company which is handling the project.

When asked about Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement he made during the presidential election campaign to scrap this project, the minister said he was speaking on behalf of the President. (Lahiru Pothmulla and Sanath Desmond)

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Comments - 63

Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 06 February 2015 09:44 AM

In politics, everything said cannot be done. Complex political dynamics.

0 1

Patta Gona Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:44 PM

There is nothing to go back. Country was going forward but MR and team put too much economic and social pressure on people and encouraged extremism for their survival. Simple example, ITN, It was in the hands of old school thoughts. never wanted to change even the news reading. But you see now. ITN is there but simple thinking changed visibly. MR missed his golden opportunity by keeping Basil to advise him on ground situation. Changes done by new regime is cost effective and intelligent with the available resources which were also amply available with MR. he ignored all and was looking at a threat which was powerless.

0 0

gayan Thursday, 05 February 2015 08:38 PM

This is the reality. China holds the power in Asia. Yahapana people welcome to reality.

0 5

Kelaniya SomeE Thursday, 05 February 2015 09:03 PM

We could like to hear any comments from HON. Patatale Champaka Ranwaka about his "Chinata Rata Pawadenawooo"

0 4

senator Thursday, 05 February 2015 09:19 PM

Here goes. How much commission? Back to square one.

6 29

Waco Thursday, 05 February 2015 09:25 PM

Correct decision. Also glad no note the President will be visiting China in March. China is a sincere friend.

8 17

Sisira Thursday, 05 February 2015 09:31 PM

Rajitha says this is a UNP government project but land policy is different i.e. government land sold to companies in another country. Am I to believe we have sold our sovereignty in the Capital City to another Country? For long time DA Rajapakse, NM Perera, Vasudeva, Philip Gunawardane and SA Wickramasinghe said UNP sold our country to US, UK and west getting loans, but now we are selling it to China. Some Roads they built are already badly damaged during the floods requiring more funds to repair them. Port City should be owned by Sri Lanka Government not China leasing rights only to them just like Free Trade Zone. otherwise nobody can go there

12 9

Krishantha Thursday, 05 February 2015 11:06 PM

Do this man have two tongues. They said will stop all projects done by China is currup. So they lied to the people. Moda Sinhalaya

3 41

Rohana Friday, 06 February 2015 12:28 AM

It is very sad to note the people have been duped once again by another set of politicians. Before election they spoke about huge corruption as much as 2000 percent on mega deals such as Highways, Airport, Hambantotal Sea Port, Port City project etc., Have they probed into the jacked up costs and commission etc and have they so soon been able to negotiate correct rates. In fact they should call for fresh Tender from various International Companies and discuss at the Parliament and take a decision. Also the Public should be made aware as to how much earlier regime had estimated and for what estima the present government is going to proceed with. If not I am sure present regime is also trying to take the same path with a different outlook.

0 1

Ismath Friday, 06 February 2015 12:58 AM

Iam sorry if iam to say that you have not seen or was blind on what the damages MR and his family had done to our mother land, showinf the highways and the pavements your so called Previous president screwed up the entire country or rather sold it for his personal benifits i suggest you study about what he has been doing in full

3 2

de silva Friday, 06 February 2015 07:11 AM

Why this decision now.Before the election RW said that the project will be scraped.What about JHU.Have they said yes.We can never trust the words of UNP people but JHU?iS THE GOVERNMENT PREPARED TO GIVE THE LAND TO CHINA.Before election you say one thing and now another.

2 6

gamarala Friday, 06 February 2015 08:05 AM

Oh, we are sri lankans, peraluna pita always hondai. Now hell with all that stories of selling the country to foreigners. That is only pre election talk

1 5

Jays Friday, 06 February 2015 09:01 AM

Singapore leader Lee quan Yew knew what is quality of leader ship and as a head of state how he lead the country and made it. He sacrificed and made a succeed team and his team there were 80% Srilankans. As of now what he has done the development contracts expenses transparent for public view. Our MR before he develops our country he develops his family infrastructure.

7 4

sanjo Friday, 06 February 2015 09:23 AM

Eliminate corruption. Dont eliminate china from development projects in sri lanka.good dessition.

0 2

Katie Friday, 06 February 2015 09:27 AM

All of you above commenting is good and some idiotic. Have you guys ever thought that doing away with the Port City will cost another mint and the SL government may even have to pay back for breach of contract. so it is far better to renegotiate rather than suspend the operation. All the best Mr President for re-negotiations.

1 4

sujith Friday, 06 February 2015 09:41 AM

It is happy to see that new government has got little bit of wisdom. But much to get.

0 4

Rice Rafter Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:27 PM

100% agree

2 2

Sujith Friday, 06 February 2015 09:44 AM

It is happy to see that new government has got little bit of wisdom. But much to get. Credit should go to MR and former government for initiating this massive project that will turn the landscape of city of Colombo in par with Dubai or Singapore.

1 6

manel fonseka Friday, 06 February 2015 09:47 AM

This is a terrible decision. The people of Colombo have enjoyed a great view of the sea here for centuries and now the northern stretch of sea is to be closed off. Even environmentalists havent touched on this point.

7 2

Farook Hamid Friday, 06 February 2015 09:49 AM

Here the minister says reclamation land created by Chinese companies so this does not belong to the state. So any foreign companies can wet the palm of ministers, reclaim lands and become owners. Owners have all the rights to do what they want with the land. I think after this project is over you will able to see only 90% Chinese faces there. This need clarification.

0 3

Dilan240 Friday, 06 February 2015 10:01 AM

Apparently the cost is way too high in pulling this project out, continuing is worth while if not we might have to incur heavy losses.

1 1

Sonali Friday, 06 February 2015 10:06 AM

First thing RW said after becoming PM was canceling the port city project. What about now?

1 9

Saman Friday, 06 February 2015 10:13 AM

The issue is NOT that whether this decision is right or wrong. The issue is that this project was used heavily by the UNP and others to destroy the image of MR. That is very unethical. Most, if not all, allegations are fabrications like this. Everything against MR is yet to be proved.

1 15

Siri Friday, 06 February 2015 12:00 PM

This was exactly what Maithree coalition were saying before election man..Now they are going back on that. You are still uttering the same old BS..

0 6

sumo Friday, 06 February 2015 12:25 PM

whatever done by MR, will remain in this country..

1 15

Dhamseth Corea Friday, 06 February 2015 01:26 PM

ඔයාට මුහුද බලන්නයි රට දියුණු කරන්නයි දෙකක් බෑනෙ නෝනේ ..

0 2

Rush Friday, 06 February 2015 05:58 PM

Right we should lose 200 billion of investment for you to view the sea. How selfish.

0 2

Sach Friday, 06 February 2015 07:48 PM

Did Lee built mattala like airport and thayata kirula like wastages in Spore?

0 1

jk Friday, 06 February 2015 11:25 PM

You ara a real " PATTA GONA"

0 0

KL Friday, 06 February 2015 11:27 PM

Only"People" can understand the it not the "Wolf" .

0 0

jn Friday, 06 February 2015 11:31 PM

Ms. Manel Fonseka, Go and see the project plan, its better plan, you will not beleive it, nothing will happened to the view

0 0

roger Saturday, 07 February 2015 09:27 PM

Bullshit! This project is unnecessary and environment damaging. Let Colombo be Colombo! There must be a way to get distance from the agreements the previous government signed with the Chinese ?

0 0

patriot Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:08 PM

Ransom paid I suppose and project can proceed.

19 32

mohan Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:08 PM

good idea,never forget china helps also

12 68

petriot Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:09 PM

good decision

12 58

Romeo Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:12 PM

As the Auditors of this project. This is a good project initiated by Mahinda Rajapaksha..

23 69

ak Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:18 PM

GOOD Move

14 36

chandra Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:18 PM

Seems there were no corruption deals?

14 60

Rice Rafter Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:21 PM

MS veto RW using executive powers

9 36

willows Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:21 PM

This i snot what we expected from the new government? are you going back your word sir?

37 45

Mevan Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:26 PM

Do a proper EIA first and also stop Chinks from owning land in SL.

1 0

Anura Mendis Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:26 PM

Actually it was never stopped. drama from the government playing to the gallery

0 2

sri Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:37 PM

What happened to all allegation and the corruption on this project also the environment damages ???

0 3

senakak Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:37 PM

for the first time i praise MS and his decision, well done and your rightful decision will be remembered by many generations to come.

1 1

sri Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:44 PM

Guess so !

7 27

premalal Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:54 PM

This is a pragmatic decision based on the fact that to stop it now would be more damaging than finishing. However I hope that the environment issues are fully addressed.

0 1

RMC Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:58 PM

Politicians are the number one opportunists in our country. What they have stated in last December what they are doing now? It is over to you Hon Prime Minister

1 1

kan Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:58 PM

Good what? Just wait for a few years and see the disasters happening in the island.

3 0

JDL Thursday, 05 February 2015 05:05 PM

Those who critisize the Gov for not keeping upto their Manifesto try to understaand that This project was approved by previous President, his appointed commitee, Cabinet as well as parliment. If Current Government cancels the project suddenly they (China) can bring us into international courts. So whether like or not we have to eat what Rajapaksha bitten before!!

3 3

FAREED Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:14 PM

No project should be stop for the corruption of somebody in the former regime, by now they have got what they wanted.

0 0

Aruna Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:26 PM

This is how should proceed it from where MR stopped than allegations, probes etc. which makes no sense to common citizens.

0 1

Mason Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:28 PM

What made you going back on your word that this project would be scrapped. There being much more important matters needing attention what is the necessity to ahead with this project. The loans taken by the previous government and the repayment difficulties being experienced was much spotlighted during the election campaign. After all China has not agreed to give you a interest free loan for this. Too bad and too soon as well.

1 1

Sunil Samaradivakara Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:32 PM

“Known devil”, is better than the “unknown angel”. The unknown angel might turn out to be a real devil. MR spoke truth, and he was our Lee Kwan Yew - whose family is still in power in Singapore, and is extremely rich. One day, everyone will realise this. It was his vision that brought us the roads, the development, the end of the war and a huge improvement in the quality of life.

94 114

Liberal One Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:39 PM

Thumbs up!

13 17

wolf Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:49 PM

What is the quality of life you are wondering about, there was nothing other than be worst the quality of life. You may be desiring the quality of your pocket where you may be a member of the past hot people.

3 3

Amila.G Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:49 PM

BY DIGGING THE SEA FOR THIS PURPOSE ALREADY THE BEACHES ARE GETTING WASHED AWAY AND FILLING THE MAN MADE HOLES. FROM WELLAWATTA DOWNWARDS FIFTY PERCENT OF THE BEACH ARE ALREADY GONE .

1 1

Kelaniya Some Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:51 PM

Without gallary show ,MS have to follow the same way of MR

0 3

safeer Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:52 PM

You must be mad to call MR as Le Kwan of SL. Any leader must have passionate about his country. MR and his family were robbing the country like a king family. MS can become as Le Kwan he is such a simple a passionate character who takes decision wisely without aligning to political future.

4 3

RMC Thursday, 05 February 2015 06:52 PM

I am 100% agree with you dear Sunil

3 2

Sakthi Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:03 PM

What next..Casinos?

0 3

words Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:08 PM

Lol... and they will then take credit for it.. but then again.. they may not last that long the way they are going about things!!

0 2

Rabutan Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:13 PM

During the Presidential election campaign Ranil stated that this project will be stopped due to security reasons and also environment. Now they same bunch says it goes ahead. Adding salt to the wound, they say the are concerned of the losses to the Chinese company. This is 100 day non democratically elected government. It is hanging on a thread. At the new general election we shall now vote for the betel leaf,or the Elephant. The symbol that can be trusted is the the "BELL". Vote for the "BELL".

1 1

sri Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:18 PM

Also the threat to the environment ??

0 2

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