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by Ravi Ladduwahetty

The Minister also alleged that the UNP was planning to instigate a strike in the port to destabilise the economy with the intention of embarrassing the Government on the eve of the December 5 polls.

The Minister claimed that it was utterly irresponsible on the part of the UNP to instigate such a strike on the brink of the election which could cause tremendous damage to the economy at a decisive moment like this.

The Government is willing to discuss whatever problems these employees have after the December 5 polls. All facilities have been given to them. But they insist on a Rs. 2000 monthly increase, which would cost the Government an additional Rs. 760 million which is more than the cost of the Hambantota port.

Commenting on port development, Minister Rajapakse also explained that a Chinese consortium has offered to conduct the feasibility study leading to the Hambantota port development project free of charge which is being currently reviewed by the Government.

However, the Government has already allocated Rs. 150 million for the feasibility study as the Government is of the view that it should maintain its independence in awarding the tender for the feasibility study. He also said that this would enable the Government to maintain its independence when it comes to awarding the construction tender for the Hambantota Port.

The Minister also dispelled fears that the development of the Hambantota port would be at the expense of the expansion of the Colombo port.

The Government has also added a new pier to the Trincomalee port at a cost of Rs.1294 million which would be commissioned in April next year.

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