UNP trying to sabotage Magampura project - minister

SHIRAJIV SIRIMANE

The Opposition is trying to undermine the mammoth development taking place at the Ruhunu Magampura Hambantota Port project, by bringing various points, Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardane said.

He said that it was the UNP government, after a feasibility study, that selected the present venue to build the harbour and they themselves were now saying the project was not viable.

The deputy minister said the infrastructure of the port is now falling into place and the Ruhunu Magampura project would generate over 3,000 employment opportunities.

“Currently we are finalizing the ‘admiral’ chart of the port which would spell out all the technical details of the harbour. When this chart is finalized, the harbour would be listed in the international maritime map to bring in more ships to the port,” he said.

Port Authority chairman Dr Priyanth Wickrama said that 27 local and foreign investors have tendered to start ventures in the Port. “The Cabinet has short listed 14 investors who would be investing US $ one billion.” He queried if the venture was not viable, why did the private sector invest in it. SS