Hambantota port project to proceed uninterrupted

The Ports Development Authority yesterday refuting certain media reports stated that the Hambantota Port Development project will proceed without any interference to be completed within the stipulated time frame set by the China Harbour - Sinohydro Consortium.

Referring to media reports appearing in the Sunday Leader and Irudina newspapers under the heading ‘Hambantota Port Project faces suspension’ the Ports Development Authority says these reports were based on a letter written by the Project Director of the Chinese Consortium to Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa highlighting certain difficulties they have faced when proceeding with the project.

The Project Director of the Chinese Consortium has written back to the Minister yesterday that his letter to the Minister Chamal Rajapaksa was only to draw his attention of the difficulties they were faced when proceeding with the Hambantota Port Development Project.

“We did not have any intention to suspend work on the project. As you are aware that we commenced the works, much prior to the release of initial payments and our present progress is well ahed of the schedule”, Q. L. Tang Project Director of Chinese Consortium stated in his letter to Minister Chamal Rajapaksa yesterday. In his letter he also praised the Minister for taking prompt action to settle the issues immediately and we assured the Minister that the construction works would be continued as scheduled.

The estimated US$ 361 million Hambantota Port Development Project is now proceeding with the resettlement