JVP blasts govt. for cement debacle

14 August 2011 07:52 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

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The JVP yesterday charged that the government had imported the controversial stock of substandard cement from a Pakistani company which had been blacklisted previously not only in Sri Lanka but also in South Africa.

Addressing a news conference, JVP MP Vijitha Herath said this company based in Karachchi exported cement to Europe, Africa and some other countries.
Mr. Herath said a private company called Ajantha Steels had imported cement in November last year to Sri Lanka from this company, and the Sri Lankan Standard Institution (SLSI) rejected to accept the stock after testing the compressor strength.

“Later, the SLIS suspended the import of cement from the company until they improve the quality of their products. Yet, the government has once again made a blunder by importing some stocks from them. We want to know who is behind this move,” he said.

The JVP MP read out the letter sent by the SLIS to the company.

He also said a South African court had issued a ruling against the import of cement from this company.

“It is a serious matter now. We do not know why the National Co-operatives Council imported cement again from them. The stock has now been released to the market by the government despite SLIS recommendations against such a move. The SLIS asked the Customs not to release the stocks from their warehouses. However, it appears that some state sponsored goons had opened warehouses forcibly and taken away the stocks.”

Besides, the JVP said people would not purchase this cement because of the low quality, and therefore, the government would be compelled to use the stock for their construction projects.

“The government imported substandard drugs and petrol recently. Now, they have imported substandard cement. They are clueless not knowing who is doing what,” he said.
He added that, four months ago, constructors and traders warned of a possible cement shortage, but the government never took steps to face such an eventuality. (Kelum Bandara)

Comments - 9

Ranjith. BG Monday, 15 August 2011 01:29 AM

Another topic for JVP. Not trying to build the country every time agents the country.

42 5

Appu Monday, 15 August 2011 02:21 AM

We voted for substandard Petrol, We voted for substandard Cement... So we shall shut up..

4 29

Gamarala Monday, 15 August 2011 08:07 AM

JVP have to approve all the dirty works in the name of so called development! Is that your demand? What a stupid voter you are.

0 6

Kan Monday, 15 August 2011 09:48 AM

What else one can do except blasting. Opposition is week. Government can do what they like.

5 2

Jeyaraj Monday, 15 August 2011 11:13 AM

Now,things are taken along on a 'Chandi' path.Nobody can even think of protesting against what they do.You have nothing else to do than keeping your mouth shut and beg for freedom and justice You will get it only if THEY want.

0 5

Nilame Monday, 15 August 2011 11:40 AM

Every body wants to make some money, you have to wait till you get to power to start earning. So until then keep talking. Nothing will change. If you want to get on in the act , create a scarcity, at least be the local agent for the foreign exporters (substandard products) of that commodity, talk to the ministers and keep a small % for yourself.

1 2

patriotic Monday, 15 August 2011 11:59 AM

Started with Coconuts ,then Petrol, now on Cement ,whats next Mr MR

0 4

Imran Hussein Monday, 15 August 2011 12:34 PM

Next - appear with the famous grin saying some magic patriotic words with some deliberate lies.

0 3

Gona Monday, 15 August 2011 12:45 PM

And we will vote for them once again at the next election...

0 3

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